While COVID cases have reduced in many areas, the virus and anxiety around it is still a very real thing! Thousands are still dying, so it’s something I never want to take lightly! Having a newborn and an autoimmune disease, on top of being an anxious person…COVID hasn’t been an easy time for me!
After facing our worst fears, baby boy getting COVID, I was more motivated than ever to venture out! Despite us all recovering, I was still anxious and decided a plan may help reduce some of that anxiety.
5 Ways To Reduce Anxiety
1. Research Locations
I looked up restaurants and stores we like and checked into their COVID policies! Did they space out their tables, did their employees wear masks? Were they operating at full capacity? Knowing what to expect before we got there helped me mentally prepare for how we would move about the space!
2. Make A Reservation
Knowing we have a seat and won’t have to wait around too long also helps with my anxiety! Everyone is not required to wear a mask in GA so waiting around with unmasked people isn’t very fun for me! Making a reservation or going out during non-peak times really cuts down the time w have to spend in the thick of the crowd.
3. Get Outside
When we can, we plan for our activities to be outside. Talking a family walk, getting food to go, and enjoying it in the car or picnic style! Sitting on patios (most of them have heaters they can turn on if necessary)! Any options that allow us to get out of the house and avoid crowds are a plus!
4. Be Prepared
I keep Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, and blankets on deck. I feel like I can create a safe space for us and baby boy despite the practices of the establishment we are in! We usually as for a booth so we can put him on the inside and avoid people walking and breathing directly on him as well.
5. Play To Babies Schedule
Visiting stores during his nap time allows us to keep him covered the entire time. Knowing that he isn’t exposed and people aren’t in his face, helps me relax a great deal! We can use a blanket or our clear rain cover when it’s not too hot out.
Living with COVID hasn’t been easy! We have spent years in the house and it’s truly affecting me! My creativity is low, my energy is low…I’m just not my full self! We are planning to visit family and a few vacations this year! It’s time to find ways to safely live with COVID, heavy on the LIVE! I hope this post reduces your anxiety around venturing out during COVID a bit. I can’t wait to see how you all are spending time living this year.
XOXO, Laya
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