Given the constant stream of negative news about the novel coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to feel anxious and uncertain. Anxiety is an understandable reaction, since coronavirus has made many of us change our daily routines, and it threatens our sense of safety. It can be difficult to let go of these thoughts and feelings, but we can also try to use this anxiety to develop habits that can protect our mental health.
Our brain has the capacity to change and “rewire” in response to our experiences. We call this capacity “neural plasticity.” If we have recurrent, anxious thoughts, we are establishing neural connections that make thinking anxious thoughts easier for us the next time.
