"Red Table Talk" Had An Entire Episode About Managing Anxiety, And The Tips Are Amazing

Right now, there's a lot of fear and concern about the pandemic. Maybe your patience is low or you've found that your eating habits are off. Don't judge yourself for your response to these troubled times. They're not normal circumstances so how could you feel normal? And never worry about how others perceive your reactions.

When the news seems so negative, it's important that we remember we can make a positive change in our communities. Good at sewing? Try making some face masks to donate. Love animals? Drop off some pet food at your local shelter. Have an elderly neighbor? Offer to do their grocery shopping. There's always a way to help others, and that can be rewarding on so many levels.

Though we can no longer meet with friends and family in person, it's still imperative that your support system remains strong. Jay reminds us that "you can still have a shared experience without being in the same space." Pursue new ways of connecting like virtual happy hour, playing games together, or video calling for dinner.

Social media is an incredible tool to keep you informed, but it also immerses you in stories of other people's suffering in times like these. Jay says, "We're just hearing about each and every person's pain, and that's a lot of pain to process... We have to become careful with whose pain and how much pain we can take on." It's not a cure-all but setting limits on screen time can help ease some anxiety.

Jay advises us to remember the acronym TIME, which stands for "thankfulness, intention, meditation, and exercise." He says, "Those are four things that are gonna boost your immune system, it's gonna boost your mood, it's gonna boost your confidence and self-esteem. It's gonna get you through this." Since most of us are stuck at home, we've got nothing but time to work on these.

Maintaining a routine will bring you comfort. When there's so much going on in the world that you have no power over, it becomes empowering to deliberately take control of your own actions. Sticking with a routine means waking up at the same time each day and adhering to a strict bedtime. It can also include activities like taking a walk after dinner or listening to positive music when you wake up.

It can be frustrating to see loved ones who aren't practicing social distancing or taking the pandemic seriously. However, Dr. Ramani reminds us, "It's not your job to convince your friends. It is your job to communicate to your friends." If you've shared your thoughts and feelings with your friends, that's all you can do!

This pandemic has upended countless plans: weddings have been postponed, graduations have been cancelled, and professional opportunities have been taken away. These are significant moments in our lives. Allow yourself to mourn. To those who feel guilty for grieving an event when so many in the world are losing their lives, Dr. Ramani reminds us, "It's okay to grieve. There is no loss too small."

If you're feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion, let it out! Dr. Ramani says, "I don't know when crying went out of fashion, but it's so good." Once you let out a good cry, it's easier to view a situation calmly. According to HuffPost, crying can also improve your mood and relieve stress.

Couples living together are suddenly spending more time with one another than perhaps they ever have before. Even in the best circumstances, this could cause friction. Jay states, "If you're just seeking more space in your relationship, I think one of the bigger mistakes we often make is that we express what we want, but we don't explain why we want it." Try telling your partner you'd like a few hours alone to recharge or want to a take a drive to gather your thoughts. Who knows? Maybe your partner will appreciate a moment alone, too!

Anxiety generally stems from worrying about the past or the future. Make a conscious effort to remain in the present as much as possible. Practice what Dr. Ramani calls "informal mindfulness" – grounding yourself in the now as you complete simple tasks like washing your hands.

To those in essential services such as healthcare workers, grocery store staff, truck drivers and more, remember to take care of yourself first. Jay offers this metaphor: "If I saw someone drowning, if I'm a strong healthy lifeguard, then I can go dive in and pull them out 'cause I've got the strength to do that, but if I haven't, then I'm gonna get pulled in, too."

Dr. Ramani reminds us to "get plenty of rest. This is the time to do it." A full night's rest is imperative right now. Lack of sleep can affect your mood and cause a host of other issues. If you've been too anxious to fall asleep easily, meditation, a warm bath, lowering the temperature in your room, and avoiding screen time before bed can help.

This new quarantine lifestyle has left many with more alone time than usual. Jay says, "The word we always use for being alone is loneliness, but there is another word, and that word's solitude... While loneliness is feeling alone and having no company, solitude is about being the best company for yourself." Take the opportunity to cultivate your relationship with yourself. Savor activities you enjoy alone like drinking your tea in peace or reading quietly.

If you have a lot on your mind, Jay recommends "voice noting it to yourself 'cause you wanna be heard... You get to hear yourself as a friend. You hear your own voice, and you can be there for yourself." Speak your struggles aloud to find relief. This is an especially helpful tool if you don't like journaling because it can offer a similarly cathartic release without the writing.

Sometimes we forget that we're sensory creatures. Intentionally invite things into your day that will please all your senses. Look at art that inspires you. Light your favorite scented candle. Play some soothing nature sounds. Wear those fuzzy pajamas. Savor your dessert. Showing love to all five senses can do wonders.