Social distancing [1] may not be ideal, but it's necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and protect our health. For the most part, I've been feeling fine throughout this entire pandemic, but I do have my moments where I get antsy and anxiety creeps up. Although I have no control over the current state of the world, I do have control over my emotions and how I choose to manage them.

I've implemented more boundaries in my relationships [2], I've created a loose schedule for structure, and I'm also doing activities like experimenting in the kitchen and reading to manage my anxiety. I'm aware that everyone is being impacted differently, and I want to be clear that this is what works best for me, currently, and is not meant to replace the work you're doing to manage your own anxiety [3]. Scroll through to see what strategies I'm implementing during this pandemic.

If you are feeling anxious or depressed and need help finding help or resources, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America [4] (1-240-485-1001) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness [5] (1-800-950-6264) have resources available.

I'm Cooking . . . a Lot

I find cooking to be extremely therapeutic, so I'm glad I have the opportunity to spend more time in the kitchen. I usually make the same three or four meals a week because it's easy, but since I'm spending more time at home, I've been experimenting with recipes, and I'm proud to say that I've mastered recipes like horchata, homemade refried beans, and pastelón.

I Meditate

About a year ago, I added meditation into my routine [6], and I really noticed a shift in my mindset. I also began to feel more calm and less anxious. I'm not extremely consistent with it, but when I am feeling anxious, I try to meditate for at least five minutes.

I'm FaceTiming My Friends and Family

Meditation and cooking definitely help me stay calm, but FaceTime is helping me maintain my sanity and feel less disconnected from the world. I live for FaceTime calls with my nieces, and I also love catching up and laughing with my close friends on it.

I Journal When I Need to Thought Dump

Like meditation, I don't have a strict routine when it comes to journaling [7], but I do find it helpful when I feel like I have a thousand thoughts racing through my head. I think journaling is a great way to acknowledge emotions and release them instead of thinking about those feelings all day long.

I'm Finishing All the Books I Started Reading

I'm notorious for buying a bunch of books, starting them, and then not finishing them for months. Lately, I've been trying to read for at least 30 minutes a day with the goal of finishing all of the books I've started. I think reading is a great way to calm the mind because it distracts you from everything else you've got going on, since you have to focus on each word.

I'm Exercising

Another way I'm manageing during the pandemic is by exercising for at least 10 minutes a day. I'm not doing anything extreme, but simply going on a 30-minute walk, doing mobility work, and yoga help me clear my mind and release built-up energy.