 |
| photo source: istockphoto |
The news of Covid-19 pandemic brought so much fear. With cities and even entire countries shutting down, it's a frightening time for many people. Some of us maybe living in areas already affected by Covid-19. Suddenly life is not normal. We cannot go out and do the things we used to do. Some are bracing for what may come.
Every day, all of us are waiting for the news and headlines. Thinking what will happen next, the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 is the hardest to thing to handle for many people. Suddenly life is uncertain. We don't know how bad things might get or what will be the impact on us. This thinking brings overwhelming fear, stress and anxiety.
People suffering from stress may experience difficulty in sleeping or concentrating, changes in sleep or eating patterns, and excessive worrying about your own and your loved ones' health. For some with chronic health or mental health conditions, it may get worse. While some may increase the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
We react differently to such stressful situations. But there are ways and things we can do to cope with fear. stress and anxiety during Covid-19 Pandemic.
Stay informed but limit how often you check updates
It's very important to stay informed to follow safety precautions as advised by authorities to help in slowing down the spread of coronavirus. But you need to be careful with the what you read and watch because a lot of misinformation and sensational coverage are going around that creates more fear to people.
Stick with trustworthy sources like the World Health Organization. Learn to step away from media when you start feeling overwhelmed. Also, be careful on what you share and take time to verify information first. We should do our part to avoid spreading of rumors that may create more panic.
Take care of your body and spirit
In this very difficult time, take care of your body by eating healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising or meditating. If possible, get out in nature. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Find ways to exercise and stay active to help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. Make time to unwind. Take time also to do activities you enjoy.
Be kind to your self
When you are experiencing more depression or anxiety than usual, go easy and be kind to your self. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles.
Maintain a routine even if you're stuck at home
To create a sense of normalcy, try to stick with your regular sleep, school, meal or work schedule.
Avoid self-medicating
Don't use alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression. It is best to avoid alcohol and other substances for now.
Instead take up a relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga that can bring you back into a state of equilibrium when stressors throw your nervous system out of balance. Set aside even a little time everyday because regular practice delivers the greatest benefits.
Stay connected despite social distancing
The practice of social distancing is one way to help stop the spread of coronavirus disease. However, social distancing may cause health risk to people because humans are social animals. Isolation and loneliness can worsen fear, stress and anxiety. So it is very important to stay connected with people you trust about your concerns and feelings, and reach out for support when you need it.
Use social media to connect not only with your friends, families and acquaintances, but for the feeling connection in a greater sense to our communities, country, and the world. To remind us that we are not alone on this.
Check in with your loved ones often
Stay connected with friends and family. Schedule a regular phone or video call or chat dates to counteract the tendency to withdraw when you feel anxious. The face-to-face contact in video calling is like a "vitamin" for your mental health that may help ease stress and anxiety.
Help keep your loved ones safe. Know the status of their health, physically and mentally, and the medications they are taking in. Like you, they might be having fears, stress and anxiety too.
Help others
Remember you are not alone on this. Many people are in more difficult situation. During this times of crises, helping others not only makes a difference to your community but can also support your own mental health and well-being. Being kind and helping people can make you happy. It can help you regain a sense of control over your life, adding meaning and purpose.
Those are ways to cope with fear, stress and anxiety during Covid-19 pandemic. Always remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Millions of people all over the world is going through difficult times losing job and loved ones. Keep your spirit high by praying and trusting that God will not give us anything we can not handle.
Keep safe everyone!
Every day, all of us are waiting for the news and headlines. Thinking what will happen next, the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 is the hardest to thing to handle for many people. Suddenly life is uncertain. We don't know how bad things might get or what will be the impact on us. This thinking brings overwhelming fear, stress and anxiety.
People suffering from stress may experience difficulty in sleeping or concentrating, changes in sleep or eating patterns, and excessive worrying about your own and your loved ones' health. For some with chronic health or mental health conditions, it may get worse. While some may increase the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
We react differently to such stressful situations. But there are ways and things we can do to cope with fear. stress and anxiety during Covid-19 Pandemic.
Stay informed but limit how often you check updates
It's very important to stay informed to follow safety precautions as advised by authorities to help in slowing down the spread of coronavirus. But you need to be careful with the what you read and watch because a lot of misinformation and sensational coverage are going around that creates more fear to people.
Stick with trustworthy sources like the World Health Organization. Learn to step away from media when you start feeling overwhelmed. Also, be careful on what you share and take time to verify information first. We should do our part to avoid spreading of rumors that may create more panic.
Take care of your body and spirit
In this very difficult time, take care of your body by eating healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising or meditating. If possible, get out in nature. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Find ways to exercise and stay active to help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. Make time to unwind. Take time also to do activities you enjoy.
Be kind to your self
When you are experiencing more depression or anxiety than usual, go easy and be kind to your self. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles.
Maintain a routine even if you're stuck at home
To create a sense of normalcy, try to stick with your regular sleep, school, meal or work schedule.
Avoid self-medicating
Don't use alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression. It is best to avoid alcohol and other substances for now.
Instead take up a relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga that can bring you back into a state of equilibrium when stressors throw your nervous system out of balance. Set aside even a little time everyday because regular practice delivers the greatest benefits.
Stay connected despite social distancing
The practice of social distancing is one way to help stop the spread of coronavirus disease. However, social distancing may cause health risk to people because humans are social animals. Isolation and loneliness can worsen fear, stress and anxiety. So it is very important to stay connected with people you trust about your concerns and feelings, and reach out for support when you need it.
Use social media to connect not only with your friends, families and acquaintances, but for the feeling connection in a greater sense to our communities, country, and the world. To remind us that we are not alone on this.
Check in with your loved ones often
Stay connected with friends and family. Schedule a regular phone or video call or chat dates to counteract the tendency to withdraw when you feel anxious. The face-to-face contact in video calling is like a "vitamin" for your mental health that may help ease stress and anxiety.
Help keep your loved ones safe. Know the status of their health, physically and mentally, and the medications they are taking in. Like you, they might be having fears, stress and anxiety too.
Help others
Remember you are not alone on this. Many people are in more difficult situation. During this times of crises, helping others not only makes a difference to your community but can also support your own mental health and well-being. Being kind and helping people can make you happy. It can help you regain a sense of control over your life, adding meaning and purpose.
Those are ways to cope with fear, stress and anxiety during Covid-19 pandemic. Always remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Millions of people all over the world is going through difficult times losing job and loved ones. Keep your spirit high by praying and trusting that God will not give us anything we can not handle.
Keep safe everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please use the DISQUS box to comment.