The novel coronavirus disease, popularly known as COVID-19, may have been around for only a couple of months. However, the highly-infectious virus is already leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The disease has paralyzed nearly every sector of the world economy.
Most companies have since laid off their staff, with experts projecting more job losses moving forward. For those who can still go to work, the new normal is to work from home.
Admittedly, the fight to flatten the ever-rising curve of COVID-19 infections is everyone’s responsibility. However, there are a few obstacles that make it difficult to contain the virus, one of which is anxiety.
What Causes Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
1. Fear of contracting the virus
The main cause of anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic is the fact that COVID-19 kills. At the time of writing (June 2020), some 6.9 million people had contracted the disease around the world. Out of this number, 401,000 had succumbed to the virus.
These statistics are as grim as they are real, and it’s understandable why they inspire fear. You never know if you’re going to be the next one to join the growing list of infections or worse yet, die from the virus.
2. Lockdown-related anxieties
Another major cause of anxiety comes from the lockdown and quarantine measures imposed by numerous governments worldwide. These measures are intended to restrict movement and, consequently, slow down the spread of the virus.
However, being self-quarantined in your home also comes with massive routine changes. As you were probably used to going to work in the morning and coming back in the evening, you may experience difficulties adjusting to the new normal. And that comes with its fair share of stress.
Lockdowns also mean that you cannot hang out with your friends, catch a local tournament, or visit your relatives as freely as you used to. Humans are naturally wired to experience anxiety whenever their freedom of movement is curtailed.
3. Fear of the unknown
Lastly, as we all wait in hope for researchers to come up with a vaccine for the coronavirus disease, we can’t help but prepare for the worst. What if the vaccine never materializes? Will the entire world’s population be decimated?
Even if the vaccine eventually arrives, the economic repercussions of the disease may be harsh and far-reaching.
How to Be Anxiety-Free Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
There are numerous ways to keep anxiety at bay during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
1. Use natural anti-anxiety supplements
The first, and probably the most effective way to banish anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, is to use natural anxiety supplements like cannabis. Cannabis has been used from time immemorial to treat various conditions.
Presently, cannabidiol (CBD) is the most popular extract from the plant that experts recommend for its therapeutic properties. CBD edibles for anxiety might help with various disorders.
CBD treats anxiety by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a system that regulates your normal body homeostasis. It performs numerous functions like relieving anxiety, pain, inflammation, seizures, nausea, etc.
The ECS is made up of a system of endogenous cannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors. When you consume cannabidiol, CBD impacts your ECS by altering some of your endocannabinoid receptors. As a result, your endogenous cannabinoids can bind more readily to those receptors, resulting in a faster relief from anxiety.
Another way CBD relieves anxiety is by modulating the transmission of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that’s associated with happiness. CBD does not bind directly to this chemical, and neither does it trigger its secretion. Instead, it affects how certain chemicals in your brain respond to serotonin levels already present in the brain.
Lastly, CBD treats anxiety by increasing the levels of anandamide in your body, albeit indirectly. Anandamide is one of the endogenous cannabinoids that plays a significant role in alleviating stress and anxiety. According to research, CBD inhibits the activity of the FAHH enzyme that’s responsible for breaking down anandamide, resulting in higher levels of this stress-suppressing endogenous cannabinoid.
One of the best things about CBD is that it not only works on COVID-19-induced stress but can also relieve anxiety for people with preexisting disorders. Cannabidiol might be able to treat all the five anxiety disorders, including Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Ways to take CBD
To reap the anti-anxiety benefits of cannabidiol, ensure you go for a product that’s easiest to integrate into your health and wellness routine. Generally, there are five major ways to consume CBD, including;
- CBD pills and capsules
- The CBD vape oil
- CBD edibles, such as gummies and baked goods
- CBD-infused cosmetic products
- CBD oil tinctures
If you’re a beginner, you should consider CBD edibles as they are the easiest to incorporate into your routine. However, note that edibles come with a lower bioavailability. So, once you’ve been successfully introduced to CBD, you can try out the more effective methods of consumption, such as oil tinctures and lab tested CBD vape juice by CBDfx.
Either way, always keep the doses low and stop using the substance once you no longer feel anxious. Otherwise, you may develop a tolerance for the substance.
2. Limit your exposure to corona-related news
Another way to banish COVID-19-related stress is to filter the news content that you consume. Social media is a particular target for fear- and rumor-mongers. So, if possible, stay away from social media. Similarly, avoid media outlets that are known to sensationalize news for a wider viewership or readership.
If you’re looking for credible coronavirus news, insist on legitimate news sites such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Take part in productive activity
Engaging in productive activity at home will keep you physically and mentally occupied while also helping you to kick out corona-related anxiety.
Examples of productive activities you can pursue during the COVID-19 lockdown include;
- Yoga and meditation
- Aerobic exercises like walking, running, swimming, and jogging
- Journaling
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Writing or reading
- Watching your favorite movies or listening to your favorite music tracks
Anxiety is inseparable from the coronavirus pandemic. However, it’s reassuring to know that there are effective ways to manage or treat the condition.
