These years have been a mess if you don’t know how to prevent anxiety during a crisis. The pandemic, financial turmoil, and more feel out of control. coping in a crisis feels impossible—even for “mentally healthy” people.
Luckily, you’re reading a solution. We’ve compiled causes, signs, and strategies related to stress prevention.
Let’s learn what you can do.
What makes stress prevention difficult during a crisis?
Obviously, crises are stressful. Everyone knows that, but it’s not as simple. As the CDC explains, multiple factors play into a crisis. How you were feeling before, news, and overall sentiment are crucial.
Uncertainty
Not knowing what will happen next is a fundamental anxiety factor. It generates more questions than answers. Consequentially, anxiety becomes prevalent.
Dread
Fear and dread often come from confusion. That’s especially true with life-threatening crises. Surely, it might lead to positive developments in some people. Unfortunately, uncertainty and dread drive to anxiety and panic attacks.
Hopelessness
With larger crises, the future seems bleak. COVID-19 is the best example. Health and financial implications are obscure. Recovery seems unlikely at times.
Denial
Conversely, denial may show in some people. The people neglecting healthcare guidelines are a great example. It may come from misinformation or doubting and mistrusting news. Typically, it leads to poor prevention and consequences.
Media coverage
Finally, media coverage is the main factor behind anxiety. News outlets are responsible for how they communicate developments. The tone and highlights can change the entire population’s outlook. Too much media normally leads to heightened stress and anxiety.
When should you learn how to cope in a crisis?
coping in a crisis is a crucial skill for anyone. Stress prevention can help you even during “normal times.” However, some signs tell you that learning has become urgent.
The first step is to recognize your anxiety. You might not realize you have it if it’s the first time. If you’re usually anxious, noticing complications is equally challenging.
These signs will help you.
“Uncommon” emotions and physical reactions
The first sign is feelings you don’t usually experience. Stomach knots, headaches, and dizziness are common. You might feel sadder or more irritable than usual as well.
Sleep disruptions
Your sleep schedule is crucial for coping with a crisis. Unluckily, it usually takes a hit during turmoil. If you’re sleeping less or more than usual, you’re probably too stressed.
Higher substance use
Many people cope with stress with substance use. During crises, you might be drinking more than usual. Some people even begin smoking during stressful situations.
Concentration difficulties
When stressed, you’ll find it hard to focus. Interestingly, you don’t have to think about the crisis constantly. Spacing out and “not thinking about anything” become noticeably common during anxiety episodes.
Constant fatigue
Finally, you’ll always feel tired. Sleep disruption, physical discomfort, and stress drain your energy. Take note if you’re always fatigued despite not working out (or doing it less).
How to prevent anxiety: Easy tips you can apply today
The Weill Institute for Neurosciences has extensive advice on the issue. Naturally, how to cope with a crisis means reducing stress. That means limiting stressors and seeking help from others.
However, that’s easier said than done. Thankfully, we already know what causes anxiety. Now, it’s time to translate that into a strategy.
Physical safety
Firstly, make sure you’re safe from harm. That can include hygiene during COVID-19 or staying home during riots. Don’t compromise your physical health to avoid worsening your situation.
Limiting media
Don’t neglect the news entirely. That said, avoid having the news channel on at all times. Avoid them on social media as well. Set a few daily hours for media consumption and stay away after finished.
Social and professional support
Don’t forget your loved ones! One call or a few text messages can do wonders for your mood. It’s easy to isolate yourself when stressed. That only worsens your condition in the long term.
Similarly, find psychological help. You can even schedule it online today. Treating the causes is as critical as reducing the symptoms.
Routine creation
We love repetition. It makes us feel comfortable and in control. Try creating a simple routine: waking up, eating, working, and sleeping. See how it works for you and feel free to include more tasks. Keeping your day organized can bring surprising amounts of peace.
Nutrition
Proper diets help our mood. The opposite is true for bad nutrition. Pay attention to what you’re eating to keep yourself in good shape. You’ll be amazed by the benefits.
Sleep
Finally, prioritize proper sleep. Your body needs to rest to recover physically and emotionally. As we mentioned, focus on sleeping for your schedule. You can even create a dedicated sleeping schedule!
The holistic takeaway
coping in a crisis is a considerable hurdle for everyone. Learning how to prevent anxiety can help you regardless of the situation. Fortunately, understanding the causes is the primary step. Everything after that becomes noticeably easy.
The bottom line is: reduce your anxiety’s presence. It sounds complicated, but it means distracting yourself. Talk to friends and reduce your exposure to the crisis. It’s great to remain informed. That said, “too much media” is a problem.
Finally, don’t neglect your problems, either. Ensure that you’re seeking help while employing stress prevention.
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