Ultimate Guide How to Maintain Stability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all areas of daily life. Depending on where you live in the world, you may be affected more than others.

I live in northern Colorado.

There are two universities near where I live, and they have switched to remote learning. In addition, my kids’ schools have shut down for the next month, at the minimum. Local libraries have closed for three weeks (could be more).

For me, this has caused a huge spike in my anxiety. I automatically fall into the most vulnerable group because of my physical issues. However, I have implemented a few techniques I have learned from various sources during the past few weeks.

It is okay to have anxiety surrounding the current state of the world. After all, anxiety helps keep us alive.

How we deal with anxiety is most important. Anxiety increases stress, and if stress is not properly handled, it can trigger a mood episode.

Continue Following Your Treatment Plan

Do not make any medication changes on your own. Speak with a doctor first.

Continue to follow the treatment plan you have developed with your doctor and loved ones.

Take Your Medication At The Same Time

Speak with your doctor if you have a question about your medication. If you are getting low on medication, call your pharmacist. They may give you an early refill, or a partial one. Also, you may set up home delivery of your prescriptions. 

Call your doctor or therapist if you have questions or need some extra support. They may offer you a FaceTime/remote option if they cannot meet you in person.

Eat Healthy Meals and Snacks

In my area, restaurants, bars, and breweries are closed. However, some are open for drive-thru and curbside service. Plus, many grocery stores have cut back hours but remain open. It just depends on where you live.

Try to stick to your daily schedule of eating meals and snacks. If you do not have one established, now is the perfect time to start doing so.

Stay Hydrated

When you wake up, drink a glass of water.

Drink water continuously throughout the day. Keep a glass full of fresh water and take some extra sips each hour. It may be beneficial to keep a water bottle with you. Make sure to stay hydrated so your body is at its optimal functioning capacity.  

Workout at Home

I work out every day.

Many gyms have closed their doors due to the Coronavirus pandemic. I have a few pieces of equipment that I use to lift weights at home. With my pair of adjustable dumbbells, incline/decline bench, pull-up bar, and stationary bike, I can hit all the major muscle groups in my body.

If you do not have workout equipment, simply utilize your body weight. Try doing 3 sets of 15 reps consisting of jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, walking lunges, calf raises, and dips. Gauge how you feel and look on YouTube if you have a question in proper form.

Maintain the Same Sleep and Wake Time

Continue to go to bed at the same time each night, and wake up at the same time each morning. If you need to take a nap during the day, try to keep it short.

You must follow the treatment plan you have written and constructed with your loved ones and medical professionals. 

With the spread of the Coronavirus, you may have to adjust your normal schedule to coincide with staying at home. Follow your treatment plan by adapting it to the crisis.

I sent an e-mail to my doctor when I had a question, and she promptly responded. Just remember, though, that medical professionals are overburdened at the moment, so patience is something we should all practice right now.

Find Ways To Reduce Your Anxiety

The recent Coronavirus pandemic has provided plenty of reason for the sharp rise in anxiety that we are all feeling. Everyone is impacted on some level—some more than others. Many are homebound and it can feel extremely isolating.

Uncertainty breeds fear, and this fear creates anxiety. To combat this heightened level of anxiety, here are some suggestions to reduce it:

• Watch TV
• View a movie (try to stay away from apocalyptic titles)
• Utilize streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime
• Take a hot bath
• Connect with loved ones via Skype
• Clean and Organize Your Living Space 
• Workout from home
• Update your supplement supplies
• Meditate or pray
• Listen to music
• Practice abdominal breathing
• Cuddle with a loved one
• Cook a meal
• Read a book

Remember, anxiety and fear are not bad in and of themselves, as they are ways to keep us safe and protected. It becomes problematic, however, when fear and anxiety consume you.

I am not a doctor, and I do not pretend to be. I just want to give you ideas that have helped me along my journey.

Keep The News To A Minimum

I do not watch the news regularly. To me, it is just too triggering, so I understand how triggering the current news can be. 

With the Coronavirus pandemic, I decided to stay abreast of current events. Since I want to keep updated on the course of the virus throughout the world, I follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you watch the news, keep it to a minimum and watch through reputable sources.

Empower Yourself

The Coronavirus has been declared a “pandemic” because it is spreading throughout the world.

I always speak about empowering yourself when it comes to managing your bipolar disorder. Now is no different. For me, I find it extremely interesting the similarities between how we treat our bipolar disorder and how we deal with the current pandemic. 

Focus on the things you can control, and try not to dwell on those things you cannot. Ways that you can empower yourself include:

• If you have to go outside, do not break your 6-foot bubble. That means do not come in physical contact with anyone and keep your distance from others. If you cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow.
• Keep clean by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer.
• Sanitize and clean your home, car, and other areas.

These suggestions, and more, can be viewed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Last Thoughts

There are many ways to maintain stability during the Coronavirus pandemic. Take your normal schedule and adapt it to the current situation.

Reach out to your friends and family, doctor, and therapist if you need extra support. With the digital age, we can still connect with each other, even if it isn’t face-to-face or in-person.

In the end, it comes down to what you find most beneficial, sustainable, and doable.

Wherever you may be around the world, at this moment, I send you peace, love, and my healing thoughts.