First, I want to validate your experience. You are experiencing anxiety from a real threat, not a perceived threat. Mask mandates have lifted, and depending on where you live, transmission may be moderate to high, while variant BA.2. is on the rise. While we can wish the pandemic was handled differently, it is ultimately out of our control. Therefore, it is important that you stay focused on what IS in your control. You still have plenty of options to keep yourself safe!

What can you do?

Stay up to date on vaccination and boosters: immunocompromised people are currently approved for a 2nd booster. Go get that booster!

Continue wearing your N95/KN95 masks, or respirator, when you are around people outside of your household. If someone gives you side-eye, just ignore them, keep that mask on and stay safe!

Have a plan for rapid and PCR testing: ask people to take a rapid test before unmasking indoors with them.

Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities that are risky and could expose you.

Keep that distance! Continue to stay 6ft away from people in public when you can.

Keep the time short! Remember that time spent in risky situations increases chances of exposure. Doing something risky for 90 minutes is riskier than doing it for 9 minutes.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a good candidate for monoclonal antibodies or oral antivirals.

The past two years have been incredibly challenging, and it is just as important to take care of your mental health, as it is to keep yourself safe. Here are some tips to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and manage stress:

·Find your community and engage at your comfort level. Whether that is on Zoom, an outdoor gathering, or indoors with trusted friends; you get to decide what feels right for you. Figure out what you are comfortable with and then make regular time to be in community. We are social creatures! We need connection! Don’t stay completely isolated!

Practice self-care! Do things that will benefit you in the long run, even if you don’t feel like it right now. Spend time outdoors daily. Move your body in a way the feels good for you. Eat foods you enjoy and make you feel nourished. Make time to take care of yourself!

Find joy! Try thinking of things that fill your spirit, feel pleasant, and are enjoyable. Make sure these things are in your life! Notice that warm sun radiating on your cheek, really taste that sweet rich decadent chocolate, be aware of how good it feels to laugh with friends. It doesn’t need to be BIG JOY, small doses of daily joy throughout the day very impactful. If you can’t think of the last time you felt joy, schedule time for it, and be mindful of how it feels to experience it.

Practice Gratitude. It is easy to forget the things we are grateful when we are suffering with low mood and anxiety. Think of three things daily that you are grateful for!

Strengthen Coping Skills: Practice breath work, mindfulness, and guided meditations.

Click here to learn specific exercises to help relieve anxiety. https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/blog/specific-exercises-to-help-relieve-anxiety-by-connor-cohen-lmsw You can also download this free app that was created to help support self-care and overall mental health during the pandemic: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/COVID_coach_app.asp

Reach out for professional help if you need more support during this time! Niyyah Counseling has several therapists ready to help support you. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today! https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team