Is all the coronavirus news sending you into a spiral? Are you feeling anxious about being in the house or having trouble social distancing? Your anxiety and stress could be eased by simply engaging with your five senses.
READ: 3 Ways to Combat Coronavirus Stress and Anxiety
Writer Elizabeth Gilbert, who penned "Eat Pray Love" took to her Instagram and shared a technique that works for her (and for The Doctors staff as well!) and it's something you can do from your home or outside. She says it can help you to "escape the fears and fantasies of the unknown future."
READ: Coronavirus Pandemic: Work-From-Home Tips
She suggests when you are spiraling or not feeling grounded to stop take in your surroundings and follow these 5 steps:
5. Name 5 Things That You Can See
4. Identify 4 Things That You Can Hear
3. What Are 3 Things That You Can Feel
2. Find 2 Things That You Can Smell
1. Name 1 Thing That You Can Taste
Elizabeth says once she goes through these steps it brings her out of the future unknown. "Now, I'm here... I just returned to this place, this moment. And now I'm not in the future anymore, which I cannot control. I'm actually here, in this moment, and I'm fine," she says, explaining she practices this technique a few times a day.
READ: Coronavirus Vaccine Testing Begins in First U.S. Patients
*Stay informed on the latest information on the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and learn about prevention methods and what to do if you are infected.
