Feeling a little anxious with the ongoing pandemic — and no end in sight — turning your life topsy turvey, you might be down to your last nerve.

What you’re going through is completely understandable. It’s even physiological.

“When you’re waiting for something that’s driving you crazy — especially when there’s a threat element to it — that’s what makes anxiety so strong and that results in cortisol, a stress hormone, being released throughout our body,” says Steve Joordens (psychology professor at U of T).

Here are some suggestions for how to deal with the tense days ahead as we all wait to see what happens.

Distraction is key - Finding a way to take your mind off the present situation — and there’s a lot of ways to go about it.

For many people, focusing your mind on something else and really concentrating on it is an easy solution. That could mean concentrating on a work-related project or even a hobby you love. You’ll be getting something done, feel productive and get your mind off your present worries.

Taking a break is another way to approach the problem and will probably be more enticing. Four things that increase vitality are singing, dancing, laughter and activity. If you can somehow find a way to get a break from what’s making you anxious and engage in those sorts of activities, they release endorphins which counter the cortisol response.

So find something that makes you laugh — a favourite film, a TV show — and then immerse yourself in the laughter for as long as it takes.

Something as simple as going for a jog is really helpful. Aerobic activity leads to a positive state of mind.

Music and the nostalgia it can sometimes evoke is also a really effective way to distract yourself while chasing away the blues. Music connects us to periods of time in our lives. When we listen to a song, it has the power to transport us back to that previous time. Create a playlist that can pull you mind to another place and help lift your mood.

Sunshine is a simple solution get outside and enjoy it whenever you can. Go for a nice walk or just sit and soak up some of that sunshine and realize you still live in a beautiful world.

Finally, even though we all have to maintain physical distancing because of COVID-19, that doesn’t mean we can’t renew the social connections with those who mean the most to us. Social bonds are our go-to when we’re feeling anxious and stressed. When things get scary and tense, our family and friends make us feel safe and secure. There are plenty of ways to reconnect with the loved ones we have in our lives, both family and friends, so lean on them and vice versa to get through the next few days, weeks, months.

Reaffirming that you have people in your life who are there and they care, that grounds us all and helps our feeling of security which is being a little shaken right now.

For all the men and women who have fought for and helped to protect the freedoms of our country, we all Thank You.

We Remember the sacrifices in life, body and spirit you have given; though we cannot attend ceremonies, assemblies or other public events this year.

We still remember those who have served in the past and those who continue to serve today.

We Will Not Forget!

If you don’t have the space or budget for a separate shower and bath, you’ve probably decided on a combined shower-bath. But should you go with a shower curtain, or choose a glass shower door to enclose it? Some of us might like the softer look of fabric that can be changed at will, while others might love the no-nonsense efficiency of a sheer pane of glass.

Here are the benefits of shower curtains and glass doors.

Shower Curtains

Soften Surfaces

Fabric can soften the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. Make sure your curtain — or at least the outer fabric section — can be washed at home, so any hint of mildew or staining can be nipped in the bud.

Add Personality 

Shower curtains can instantly inject a blast of color, print and personality with the minimum of fuss, expense and effort. And even better, when you’re tired of the look, the curtain can be replaced with one in a different style.

Be bold with color in the bathroom and remember, you don’t have to stick with top-to-bottom white for a fresh feel.

Change A Tub Into A Shower-Tub

Claw-foot tubs baths with a shower above can be difficult to pull off — particularly when it comes to dealing with water spills and splashes. Glass panels are generally a no-no where curves and awkwardly shaped tubs are concerned, unless you go for something custom, so your best bet is to install a robust ceiling-mounted rail and finish with a heavy-duty, waterproof shower curtain that can be swept all the way around the inside the tub.

Prettify The Room

The No. 1 reason people choose a shower curtain is simple: to prettify the room and makes you want to stay there all day.

Can Make A Design Modern 

May people think shower curtains are a thumbs down for the modern bathroom. Think again.

Glass Doors and Panels

Gives Full Enclosure 

There’s no fear of water escaping from the bath, as sliding doors fully enclose the tub. Sliding panels of glass are also a good option where space is at a premium, as they don’t need to hinge or pivot outward.

Helps Utilize Tricky Spaces 

A bath can be placed rather neatly in an unused alcove or nook in a converted attic, but how to cope with the sloping ceilings if you want a shower too?

One option is a custom shower panel, which can accommodate tricky recesses and angles as well as nonstandard heights. You might pay extra for this item, but for a neat, splash-proof solution, it’s worth considering.

Expands The Space

A fixed panel of frameless glass looks the part in any style of bathroom. This is the best option if your bathroom is compact and a curtain or glass doors with hardware would break up the space and visually shrink your room.

Keep It Simple 

If you have a lot going on in terms of decor in the rest of the bathroom then perhaps plain no-frills glass is the best solution.

Look for glass that has been finished with a special coating so dirt and limescale won’t accumulate and make it hard to keep clean. It might bump up the overall price of the screen, but it will save you cleaning time.

Gives You Options

With a shower curtain, you have one style of entry — you pull the curtain to one side to step in and then pull it closed. With glass enclosures, you have a choice of several types of entry. Besides a fixed panel of glass with an opening on one side, you can choose among various door types — sliding, hinged and folding.