Healthy Habits: Tips to Reduce Anxiety and Stress from Dr. Porter

Coronavirus isn't just threatening our physical health, but our mental health too. The outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has disrupted many aspects of our daily lives. As our country enters the second week of lockdown mode, fear and panic are spreading just as fast as the virus itself. Stress, emotions, and anxiety are at an all-time high which makes an already challenging situation far more difficult.
According to Neuroscience and Wellness Expert Dr. Patrick Porter, managing mental health is extremely important during the outbreak.
"Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll but managing this stress is imperative. Mental health plays a major role in your ability to maintain good physical health..."
...says Dr. Porter, who has devoted his career to researching the brain and mental wellness. According to Dr. Porter, one way to lower anxiety is to take charge of the things you can control. Reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene and minimizing possible exposure. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face, and, most importantly practice social distancing. Stay at home and avoid going out - whether you are experiencing symptoms or not.

Minimizing the virus isn't good preparation, but neither is overkill. Watching the news 24/7 or continuously scrolling through social media feeds will likely increase anxiety. It's important to stay informed with up-to-date factual information but monitor this intake and establish boundaries for checking updates. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and choose reliable unbiased sources for information like CDC and WHO.
Dr. Porter encourages people to be proactive in communication and in maintaining their relationships so that social distancing does not lead to emotional isolation. If you are quarantined, staying connected with your family and friends is important. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling and maintain your daily routines as much as possible.
"This downtime is also a great opportunity to practice self-care and mindfulness activities that deactivate the body’s stress response.."
...says Dr. Porter who is an advocate of activities like meditating, journaling and braintapping. Managing mental health will help us all get through this challenging moment in history.

I had a chance to interview him to learn more.

What are some of the challenging emotions people may be feeling due to COVID-19?

Fear is the big one. Because of all the uncertainty. Our brains love patterns. Patterns mean certainty. With all the doubt about what is happening, we don’t have a clear path out of this mess.
Stress is felt in many different ways. But what it drives people to do can be good or bad. Some people feel stress and they start solving the issues that cause that stress. In the case of COVID-19, there is no know solution. So people are self-soothing. This could include drinking too much, overeating or any other negative behavior that takes them out of the feeling of being stuck.

Anxiety, about what might happen to them or a family member if they get the virus. This all leads back to what we call FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt).

What do these emotions do to our health?

Stress has been shown to shrink our hippocampus. Thi9s is the part of our brain that plays a very big role in regulating hormones that make you feel good. It is also shown that these negative emotions will suppress immune function. The science of psychoimmunology has been used as the science that shows the link between emotions and health. 

What are some positive ways people can cope?

#1 Create a schedule for yourself. Most of us have been given an additional 45 mins to 1 hour. This is the time we spent in our cars going to and from work. Figure out what you would like to do with your hour. Then stick to it. This will go along way in providing your brain with a sense of purpose.

#2 Get dressed. The saying dress for success is more than a saying. When you look good you feel good. Sitting around in your PJ’s can have your brain thinking that every day is the weekend. 

#3 Do some type of physical workout. This could be as simple as stretching while watching a show. To do push-ups and setups. This is a time to be like the caterpillar. You are in your cocoon and your goal once this is over to return to your life as a better version of yourself. Like a Monarch Butterfly.

How can people specifically address anxiety and panic?

We believe in the power of mediation. Our bodies are designed to move and breathe. Negative emotions like anxiety and panic have one thing in common. The person experiencing them stop breathing or breath very shallow.

Moving can be as simple as dancing to your favorite music. Or, go on YouTube and learn how to dance, do yoga or TaiChi. We also recommend people use our free APP during this time at www.GoBrainTap.com no credit card needed.  

ABOUT DR. PATRICK PORTER

Patrick K. Porter, Ph.D., is an award-winning author and speaker who has devoted his career to neuroscience and brainwave entrainment. As the creator of BrainTap®, Dr. Porter has emerged as a leader in the digital health and wellness field. BrainTap’s digital tools and mind development apps use Creative Visualization and Relaxation, biohacking techniques that have made tremendous advances in helping mental, physical, and emotional health issues. BrainTap has been praised for helping people relieve symptoms associated with stress, insomnia, pain, and much more. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.braintap.com