Here are seven tips to help you optimally cope with coronavirus anxiety:

1. Take advantage of this time

How many times have you thought, I wish I had more time to… spend with my family, exercise, meditate, clean…? Guess what? Your wish has been granted! Try to embrace this change of pace and do those things you’ve been wanting to do. When you execute tasks you have been putting off or enjoy some time focused on yourself, that will help reduce your anxiety.

2. Differentiate between possibility and probability

There is a difference between possibility and probability, but the spread of information and misinformation can cloud that. While the statistics are changing by the hour, it is not likely that you will get the virus and develop serious complications.

3. Unfollow the panic!

Turn off the news. Stay away from websites or outlets that leave you feeling more anxious. Mute toxic texts. Hit “delete” on comments or “friends” who bring you down. You are allowed to prioritize your mental health!

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4. Change your negative “what if” to a positive “what if”

Try posing a different line of questioning to yourself. You can change your “what if” from catastrophic thinking to more exciting prospects in a simple flip of the script. For example, “What if something positive comes from this?” or “What if my family becomes closer in quarantine?” Those are questions for which you actually want the answers to be true.

5. Act from a place of logic rather than emotion

Worry can perpetuate anxiety. The thought of “what if” something bad happens, like, “What if I run out of toilet paper?” or “What if this lasts for months and months?” can perpetuate and augment anxiety. When we think in “what if” terms, we tend to emotionally react as if what we fear might happen is inevitable. It is important to consider worst-case scenarios and take steps to either prevent them or establish systems to implement if they take place. But emotionally reacting as if those fears are imminent.

6. Remember, you are not helpless

You may feel like there is nothing you can do during this unprecedented time. And yet, it is vital to remember that there are always two strategies to dealing with any problem. One is problem-focused, where you change the problematic nature of what is going on. While you might not be able to personally cure COVID-19, you can do your part by engaging in social distancing and hand washing.

7. Be proactive on lowering your stress levels

whenever you notice your stress level rise, do something healthy and helpful to reduce that stress. Jump on your bed, go for a walk, put on a favorite tune and dance around, watch a funny video to make you laugh—whatever makes you feel lighter.

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What is the thing that you do to avoid anxiety?