The Pandemic: An Increase in Stress and Anxiety

The pandemic has changed the way people live their lives. The year 2020 was supposed to be an exciting year for me as it meant I would be graduating high school and moving on to college. A traditional graduation will no longer be an option for me, and my first semester of college is up in the air. Uncertainty is the key word in my world right now. While for some, the pandemic has been an unexpected time to complete long-overdue projects, space for self-care, and has provided an opportunity for self-reflection, for others it has been an extremely difficult time. For most people, their lives have been turned upside down. The mounting anxiety due to the fear of uncertainty around COVID-19 is undoubtedly not reducing anyone's stress levels. In fact, for most, it is doing quite the opposite. I would encourage people to find something like a hobby to do that helps them clear their mind and feel happy. For me, I fell back on one hobby that always reduces my stress level: baking. Not only do I have a delicious treat at the end of my hard work, but making a batter is soothing to me. It is a way for me to see all of those separate ingredients slowly come together to make something cohesive. I like putting my creativity to the test by adjusting recipes and finding fun new ways to decorate my baked goods. Another stress-reducing strategy for me has been taking walks and runs outside. Going for a walk or run with music playing through my headphones always makes me feel better. Not only do I feel accomplished because I am exercising, but nature always seems to be a good place for me to clear my mind. Sometimes when it is pouring rain, I go outside and just run around. I don't mind getting soaked because it feels, in a way, like I am getting a fresh start for the day. All of my worrying and negative thoughts wash away with the rain as I run through the wet grass. Take a moment to take care of yourself. During this uncertain time, mental health is ever so important. Not only should you keep your body physically healthy, but you also need to try to keep your mental health in a good place. The best thing we can do right now is to take safety precautions and do our best to prevent ourselves and others from getting sick. No one is alone; we are all in this together.