Battling My Anxiety During Community Quarantine

Everyday is a constant battle against anxiety and boredom. Being isolated from the real world because of this coronavirus outbreak, our emotions gone wild. We suddenly worry about so many things. We are trapped in our own homes, overthinking when and how will this crisis be over. Our daily activities are limited and we can only keep up with what is now called the"new normal". This unfortunate circumstance seems to dominate our daily lives until a vaccine is developed to combat the dreadful crown of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, we are left with no choice but to deal with the challenges brought about by this global pandemic. We have to be creative, proactive, artistic, resourceful and motivated to refocus our attention from negative thoughts to positive vibes.

SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY and PANIC ATTACK

  • Palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sense of choking
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling of being detached from the world (de-realization)
  • Fear of dying
  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs or entire body
  • Chills or hot flushes
  • Sense of impending danger

So how do I manage my anxiety? Well, I've been reading a lot about the natural remedies on how to relieve anxiety. I don't want to rely on oral medication and fortunately, doing some effective routine gives me a sense of calmness during unexpected episodes. But it doesn't mean that what works for me may work for you.

  • The 4-7-8 breathing technique or the “relaxing breath" is actually a great help to fall asleep faster. It involves breathing in through nose for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling through mouth for 8 seconds.
  • Aromatherapy using essential oils may help promote relaxation. For me, whiteflower comes in handy.
  • Listen to soothing music is an instant relief. I downloaded a calming piano music with water sounds on youtube. It lasts for 3 hours and its effects can be almost anaesthetic.
  • Learn how to do some accupressure on yourself. It can help release tension and promote blood circulation. With your index finger and thumb, apply firm pressure to the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Massage the pressure point for four to five seconds, taking slow, deep breaths.

Image not mine 

  • Nutrient deficiency may trigger anxiety. Our nervous system requires essential vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. I take food supplements everyday like B complex, vitamins A, C and E. Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week. Of course, nothing beats consuming healthy and nutritional foods to boost my immune system.

  • Get busy with anything productive like exercising or simply doing house chores. I cook. I clean. I do laundry. I do the dishes. I water my potted plants and take photographs of my roses.  See how those blooms and greens knock out my distress.
"White rose @ simplymarrimye.com"

"White rose @ simplymarrimye.com"

"White rose @ simplymarrimye.com"

"White rose @ simplymarrimye.com"

"Pink rose @ simplymarrimye.com"

"Pink rose @ simplymarrimye.com"
 
"Fortune plant @ simplymarrimye.com"

"Money plant @ simplymarrimye.com"

  • Prayer is powerful. Having a personal relationship with God gives me a sense of security and strength. He is the greatest doctor. He's indeed, the greatest healer. 
  • Finally, it's always a pleasure getting back on track. Writing is another effective way to keep my mind busy, boosting those happy hormones and creating positive thoughts.

These are my anxiety busters. How about yours? 


Our Silver Anniversary

Let me start this special occasion by walking down memory lane. No present and future exist without the past that reminds us when, where and how it all began. So, without further ado, here are the detailed accounts of our love story.

"Anniversary Cake"
Our simple anniversary cake

THE FIRST GLANCE
Just like any other boring day of the week, I still found myself sitting on that chair inside that seemingly boring office as well. Someone knocked at the door and before I got there to open it, a guy in a blue shirt entered only to ask me, "Nandyan ba si Amy?" (Is Amy around?) That was a brief glance. The very first time I laid eyes on him. It was 14 February 1994, more than twenty-five years back.

THE COURTSHIP
That short meeting was followed by a few more acquaintances and several talks on the phone. His voice struck me. Actually, that’s one trait I like most about him. He always had a way to surprise me. He often paid unexpected visits. He would come to the office all the way from Cavite where he was assigned, wearing that so familiar camouflage jacket... waited for hours until I finished my work for the day.

THE CARD
After almost two months of constantly dating, I formally accepted him. That was April 8 of the same year. I gave him a card... a card with two diamonds meaning he won over my heart because he got the highest one.

THE TERM OF ENDEARMENT 
Sweetheart...
Honey...
Cutie...
Baby or Babe...
Cupcake, Darling, Sugar pie, Buttercup...

There are a lot more terms of endearment we can use to address our loved ones or describe a person for various reasons. It's our unique way of calling those people dear to us. It's our means of expressing deep affection. But I preferred a unique one for me and my hubby... me as MYE and he as PYE.

THE COUPLE
Some trivia about us:

  • You're All I Need by White Lion is our memorable song not our theme song
  • April 8, 1994, was the day we became BF/GF
  • January 18, 1995, was our Civil Wedding
  • July 8, 1998, was our Church Nuptial (number 8 means infinity)
  • We were born in the same year and month... JUNE 1968. He was on the 23rd and I was on the 29th
  • I am the eldest of 4 and he is the youngest of 4 

"Our Silver Anniversary by Simplymarrimye"
Civil Wedding at Pasig City Hall, 18 Jan 1995

"Pye and Mye"
This is what I call FATE... God showed us the way to each other and brought us to one place called HOME.

Twenty-five years brought us joy and pain but here we are, keeping our promise of forever despite all the struggles we've been through and the challenges of life we've overcome. We are bonded by love for each other and our faith in God.

Every single day that will pass and every single day that will follow... is always a fresh start.

Healing



We have our own share of heartaches. Our past mistakes will serve as lessons that will guide us in our future relationship. 

If love is not meant to be, let go and move on. Whatever you deserve will surely come, in perfect time. 

"Rest your heart until it gains strength to beat again."


"Healing by simplymarrimye"