Managing anxiety in the eyes of the pandemic

The number of COVID-19 cases at the University of Sheffield is nearing 2000. The end of the pandemic seems nowhere in sight, meaning feelings of anxiety can often come bubbling up out of nowhere, even when in the shops, going to University, or just on a walk.

The first thing I do in the morning is to check the news – increasing COVID-19 cases in Sheffield, nothing new really. Before I’m even out of bed, my heart starts racing and I don’t feel like leaving my safe space. Will this ever end? Will the world ever be normal again? Thoughts like these have been hard to get rid of in the last couple of days. A quick walk to Tesco’s is now meticulously planned. When will there be the least amount of people? Can I justify a venture to the SU to print out a few pages- how can I avoid touching buttons and door handles? Dealing with anxiety becomes a daily challenge.

These unprecedented times we read of oh so often in university emails and newspapers can really take a toll on us all. It is natural for our frenemy anxiety to drop by for a visit when we already have so much on our plate. Not all hope is lost though. Here are a few things I, more or less successfully, integrated into my day which helped to cope with anxiousness.

Go for a walk – seriously!

Even to Tesco counts, you know. Those amongst us that had to quarantine will stress this more than ever, but a quick five to ten minute walk a day will work wonders for your mental health (and physical health!) Put your phone in flight mode, turn on your favorite music (or check out Spotify’s ‘Sunday Stroll’ playlist and let your mind wander for a bit – you will be a lot more relaxed once you get back to your desk. Don’t let the rain be an excuse for you (like I did so often )throw some wellies on and grab that cute umbrella that has been resting under your bed. Or convince yourself to buy a new raincoat you love – guaranteed you’ll need it in no time.

Plan your Week

I came across CGD London Planners about a year ago and have been obsessed ever since. While you can use any planner, these worked best for me as you can choose between various ones to find the best suitable one for you – for me, that’s the Goals Weekly planner to get an overview of everything (or nothing!) I’m up to in a week. ree time and less of a guilty feeling when binging Emily in Paris (btw, do that if you haven’t already!)

I came across CGD London Planners about a year ago and have been obsessed ever since. While you can use any planner, these worked best for me as you can choose between various ones to find the best suitable one for you – for me that’s the Goals Weekly planner to get an overview of everything (or nothing!) I’m up to in a week.

Whichever planner you are keen on, make sure that it has a weekly or monthly overview that leaves enough space to fill in your lectures and tutorials. My tip: Get a colour coding system, for example, mark everything to do with university green – so your lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Get a different colour for presentations, deadlines, and exams – this will make them stand out more when you want to have a quick look at what’s due when. Another plus, the colours will make looking at your to-dos for the week more cheerful – and less of a dreadful anxiety trigger.

It’s okay to take breaks

Our social media is plastered with stories and pictures of people who are acing this pandemic lifestyle. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unproductive, it’s okay to take a break sometimes. There will be days where you just don’t feel up for watching podcasts and such. Allow yourself to close Blackboard and open Netflix instead. You can’t force productivity! Instead of getting more frustrated by the minute, take a step back and allow yourself to start anew the next day.

Great break-activities to free your mind:

1) Solo dance party to a Roar-Goldie

2) Smashing one of those Pamela Reif YouTube workouts – warning: they are slowly killing you/giving you serious abs

3) Looking at cute/funny pet pictures (google is your best friend for this!)

Whether it is a nose strip, face mask, bubbly bath, or scented candle… Keep up with your self-care rituals and even add new ones. My go-to these days? A cup of fruity tea, an autumn playlist on Spotify (like «Herbstgefühle», although a German title a compilation of great English songs!), a fluffy blanket – who gets by without them these days – and a new book or magazine. Try new ways to adapt and deal with your anxious feelings. Ask your friends what they do to wind down after a long day of online lectures and endless procrastination – maybe you’ll come across a thing or two you want to try yourself!f!

Whether it is a nose strip, face mask, bubbly bath, or scented candle… Keep up with your self-care rituals and even add new ones. My go-to these days? A cup of fruity tea, an autumn playlist on Spotify (like Herbstgefühl», although a German title a compilation of great English songs!), a fluffy blanket – who gets by without them these days – and a new book or magazine. Try new ways to adapt and deal with your anxious feelings. Ask your friends what they do to wind down after a long day of online lectures and endless procrastination – maybe you’ll come across a thing or two you want to try yourself!

Edited by Victoria Sales