REAL STORIES: "Anxiety? Don't let it stop you."

We often ask our family and friends how they’re doing. But have you asked yourself the same question lately?

When the pandemic first hit us and ECQ started I said to myself: “Ok time to spend more time with the family especially the kids since we often neglect them and we don’t spend enough time with them.

So this might be a good opportunity.” But after a year of being a hardcore SAHM, boy am I tired ! If you are feeling the same way as I am, trust me, you are not alone. And don’t feel guilty about it because what ever you are feeling is valid, own it, accept it and do something about it.

Honestly, I am not ok. It’s been a year since the lockdown has started and it is frustrating to see that the numbers are still spiking up. I cannot accept the fact that most people have embraced the “new normal” term.

This isn’t normal and it will never be. But how do I get through my every day? How do I keep my sanity through this anxiety because of COVID-19 pandemic?

Tips if you’re having a bad day

Here are some tips that has helped me during my bad days. Remember that to each is his or her own, these may have worked for me but that does not necessarily mean it will work for you for sure. But you can use this as a guide to help yourself through anxiety and bad time during this COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Live in the now but don’t get stuck.

No matter how much negativity we have in our life right now, always remember that it is just a minor part of our life that will take us to the grand scheme of things.

Because of the pandemic, I found myself in a new adventure, I didn’t even know that I have what it takes to be a VIP mom or to be an influencer, yet here I am writing my own article.

This, I would say is a good outcome from being stuck at home. And who knows, maybe God has much more plans in store for me.

2. Let the things that you love be your escape.

When we do something we love, we feel happy and enlightened. Living in a 2 bedroom condo with my husband, 3 kids and 3 yayas, it can get suffocating at times.

My husband still goes to the office so it is me who gets stuck at home for 24/7. I know our staff feels the same way as I do and I don’t want to sound like a brat because I know that I am still lucky that I still get to be with my family.

But I don’t want to dismiss how I feel and I don’t want to invalidate myself because I know that it will not be good my mental health. When you feel these sorts of blah, don’t feel guilty in treating yourself and letting go of yourself.

READ MORE:

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Because honestly speaking, when I’m feeling down I tend to take it out on my kids, and it is not good for them either and it might strain your relationship.

I know resources and places to go are limited right now, so the next best thing to do is is set aside a time for yourself and do what you love most.

Since I have mentioned earlier, being an influencer is something new to me. And I am enjoying it a lot! I enjoy creating contents, thinking of captions and writing. Do what you think will help you, find that something that will help you let go of your anxiety.

3. Cry.

Crying does not equate to being weak. I watched this clip where Michelle Obama and Jennifer Garner were in a video call and as they say goodbye, Michelle Obama said: “I’ll see you when the world opens up again.”

You see, even the most powerful people in the world are affected by this pandemic. Fear of the unknown is understandable and we are all helpless right now, we have all these bottled up emotions, and because we are parents we have the tendency to show a brave face all the time.

But trust me, this is not healthy for you. Before you know it, these emotions have taken over your life. Cry it out, even if its an ugly cry, a pillow cry or a shower cry, I promise you, you’ll feel good after.

4. Have a community or talk to friends.

Surround yourself with people who are familiar with what you are going through because it’ll keep you grounded knowing that you are not alone in what you are going through.

There are online communities where people are willing to share their experiences and who are willing to give guidance. If you are not comfortable in sharing your thoughts with strangers, create a group chat with your friends, have a weekly Zoom party.

Those little time you spend talking and laughing with people you don’t see everyday will help you set those worries aside even just for a little while.

5. Identify the triggers and know how to respond once trigger switch is on.

Knowing what triggers your anxiety is a must and especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Once you figure out what your triggers are, limit your exposure as much as you can. But what to do once those trigger bulbs are switched on?

Deep breathing, acknowledge that you are having an anxiety attack and go to your happy place. Acknowledging something is going on will make it easier for you to pinpoint what to do next. As for me, every time I feel agitated or anxious I binge watch comedy series, this is my simple yet effective escape when anxiety hits.

What is happening to the world right now is something new for all of us, what you feel about it is valid even if people tell you otherwise.

I know its extra hard to work on ourselves once we become parents and if we our “ME TIME” are limited, but bear in mind that our family especially our kids need their mommies and daddies to be whole to be able to give our 100%.

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