4 Tips To Avoid Stress, Fear & Anxiety As Reopenings Begin In CA

VENICE, CA — Things are changing — and fast. Reopenings are coming throughout California as the state moves to lift most of the COVID-19 restrictions starting June 15.

Iliniza (Nisa) Baty, Venice Family Clinic’s director of behavioral health, this week offered four tips for people to avoid stress, fear and anxiety as they resume social interactions again and return to the workplace and group outings.

She encouraged people to explore the root of their fears, focus on what they can control, get outdoors and exercise and recognize they’re not alone.

"Our social muscles may have atrophied as we sheltered at home over the past year, and the return to normal social interactions may cause stress and anxiety," Baty said. "We need to recognize that for some of us, it may take small steps to get back to feeling comfortable again at work, school and in groups."

Explore the root of your fears

She encouraged people to explore the root of their fears by taking a step back and questioning whether they feel anxiety about the state of the global pandemic broadly or whether their fears are based on their own experiences? She said that taking the time to conduct this assessment will help offer fresh answers and perspective.

Focus on what you can control

With all the challenges of the pandemic, Baty said people need to focus on what they can control now — from the way they control their breathing to the decisions about where they go and who they see.

“When you intentionally choose to focus on what you can take action on, you start to eliminate ifs and buts and any fears associated with those,” she said. “It is extremely powerful.”

Get outside

To help ease anxiety and stress, she suggests getting outside and exercising because physical movement helps calm these emotions. She suggested starting with small steps, such as a walk around the block, and to expand that over time.

Recognize that you're not alone

Baty also said sharing feelings and experiences with others not only reminds people that they aren’t alone; it helps relieve stress and anxiety. Speaking with a counselor or other mental health professional can help.

People can become patients of Venice Family Clinic by calling 310-392-8636. L.A. County offers help at (800) 854-7721 for COVID-19 related stress and support.

Venice Family Clinic provides health care to people in need at 14 sites in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Culver City. The clinic provides comprehensive care and multiple services, including dental care, substance use treatment, mental health services, vision services, child development services, health education, prescription medications, domestic violence counseling, HIV services, street medicine for people experiencing homelessness and health insurance enrollment. For more information, visit VeniceFamilyClinic.org.

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