Health: Managing Anxiety in Life & Business

With the news and social media constantly flooding us with talks of the deadly Covid-19 virus and the economy crashing, we can't help but to feel overwhelmed and filled with anxiety.

As someone who already carried the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety, my symptoms have intensified during this pandemic. However, I had to take a step back and create a plan of relaxation and mental detoxation.

I would like to share with you the tips that I have taken to lower my anxiety, increase my business sales and relaxation.

In Business:

Trust your systems and processes:

This is why we created them. They help us run with ease in times of uncertainty and stress. A good system should include backup plans for the "what ifs' or "whens" that will take place in life. Though my systems weren't developed with a pandemic in mind, they were create to maintain business in the event I was unavailable. Examples are: Freelance services had an approved subcontractor list for my assistant to contact to get projects done in my absence. Financials are sent automatically from online banking to quickbooks.

These things help ease stress during a difficult time. If you don't have proper systems in place....DON'T STRESS! Take a day to work out the basics. Write out step by step of how you want clients to process through your company from a backend perspective. You can even use a graph chart to get this accomplished. Then begin building out the process to take place. I use 17Hats as my back office manager (I write a more detailed post about them later)

In Health

Unplug:

Social media and Tv are constantly filled with gloom and doom updates that heighten our anxiety. Take a moment to unplug. Turn off the TV or change it to watch a fun video/movie on Netflix. Stop strolling social media and replace that time with a nice book, your favorite craft or another activity with family. This will cut back your time of being filled with the media’s negativity.

Get Some Sun:

Even though we are practicing social distancing, go outside and enjoy the fresh air. If you don’t feel comfortable walking your neighborhood, practice other outside activities like walking around your yard, practicing yoga on your back porch, or working in your garden. These activities will allow you to experience the benefits of sunlight and fresh air.

Talk:

Call a friend or family member. Utilize FaceTime, Duo or FB messages so that you can see each other’s face and enjoy each other’s company. Talking with those you love is a great way to destress.

Devotion:

Most importantly, take a moment for daily devotion and mediation. Your time with God (or your spiritual belief system) is your time to gain reassurance of His promises. This is a tranquil time that helps maintain your daily peace in the midst of this storm.

Aromatherapy:

Lavender essential oils has become my best friend. When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, place a few drops of lavender oil in your diffuser, turn on some soft music and relax! This has become a part of my nightly routine.

I use an essential oil blend to stay motivated during the day as well. Pick your favorite blend that increases your energy and gets you up and moving.