All of us experience anxiety every so often. This is a natural part of life. Job interviews, speaking in front of a large audience, first dates, financial issues, or exam pressure can cause our anxiety levels to spike. But everyday anxiety we experience is different than what covid-19 pandemic ‘mask’ anxiety.
All of us experience anxiety every so often. This is a natural part of life. Job interviews, speaking in front of a large audience, first dates, financial issues, or exam pressure can cause our anxiety levels to spike. But everyday anxiety we experience is different than what covid-19 pandemic ‘mask’ anxiety. Withthe outbreak of the current Covid-19 pandemic most people are experiencingmuch higher levels of anxiety than usual. So, what is the best way to handle what has become our “new normal”.
First, it’s helpful to understand that wearing masks for the whole day during an infectious disease outbreak can cause some issues. For example:
- Increased fear and anxiety about your own and your loved one's health
- Difficulty in sleeping or concentrating
- Constant worry about your physical and mental health
- Increased stress from feeling like you has lost control of important aspects of your life
- Increased the use of alcohol, tobacco or other substances to overcome the anxiety
So what can happen?
Most people find it reasonably comfortable to wear a mask in an open space. That said, it is not true for all.Those prone to feelings of claustrophobia or panic attached may feel uncomfortable levels of anxiety with no idea how to handle it. But there are ways to cope. Below you’ll find 5 great tips of psychotherapists for overcoming your covid-19 mask anxiety.
Great Ways To Reduce Mask Anxiety
- Be Always ‘Positive’ In Every State Of Condition
Remind yourself after every half hour during each outdoor journey that soon everything will be back in its normal condition and you’re going to be ok. Say, it to yourself or murmured, “no matter what happens, I am going to be fine soon”. This self-activity task may boost your inner-confidence by giving you an enhanced sense of control during this hard time of Coronavirus.
- Practice to wear your mask at home, but for a short period
Let the mask feel like it can be a part of your daily life without bothering you. Take selfies, listen to music, or do your regular chores or anything that makes the mask feel like it’s a part of your life. No matter how horrible you feel wearing a mask, but it is safer to wear it than getting infected with the deadly virus of Covid-19. A little compromise is way better than getting hospitalized. As you may have heard, “Precaution is better than cure”.
- Practice breathing techniques with & without a mask
The more you practice to bring your breathing under control, the easier it will be to feel relax and maintain the patience level when you’re feeling anxious with a mask on. Do body relaxation exercises at home to compose yourself. However, remember that don’t do running or excessive hardcore gym or pushups with a mask on as it can be dangerous.
- Make your mask the latest fashion statement
What can be better than making your weak point as one of your strong points? If your fashion conscious, you can use your mask to be a talk of your town and gain the limelight. There are plenty of safe yet attractive masks available that can complement your attire of the day. You can go with a mask that suits your personality and outfit and take selfies, post it to your social media account and create a sensation.
Incorporating a mask in your daily routine can take an emotional and mental toll, especially if you’re already living with an anxiety disorder. Also, think about getting some help along the journey. Consider consulting a psychotherapist to overcome your mask and other anxiety problem. With teletherapy now in full swing getting an appointment with a top psychologist in Westport, CT to adjust your life behind a face mask isreally friction free.
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