Written By The coronavirus outbreak has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for many people, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease. As a heart patient, it is important to manage stress and anxiety in order to protect your heart health and overall well-being during this challenging time.
Here are some tips for managing stress and anxiety as a heart patient during the coronavirus outbreak:
- Stay informed, but limit news consumption
It is important to stay informed about the latest developments regarding the coronavirus outbreak. However, consuming too much news can increase anxiety and stress. Try to limit your news consumption to reputable sources and take breaks from the news when you need to.
- Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety. You can find guided meditation and yoga videos online or through apps, or you can simply sit quietly and focus on your breath for a few minutes each day.
- Stay connected with loved ones
Social distancing measures can make us feel isolated and disconnected from others. Make an effort to stay connected with loved ones through phone calls, video chats, or even socially distant outdoor activities.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for heart health and can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Seek professional help if needed
If you are experiencing severe stress and anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. Many healthcare providers are offering telemedicine appointments, so you can speak to a mental health professional from the comfort of your own home. You can also speak to your primary care physician about referral options.
Remember, it is normal to feel stressed and anxious during this challenging time. However, taking steps to manage stress and anxiety can help to protect your heart health and overall well-being.
