COVID-19, the coronavirus disease outbreak that swept the entire world off its feet has since redefined the term normalcy. The anxiety, stress and fear that revolve around coping with coronavirus may take a toll on you physically, emotionally, and mentally, but it is imperative to stay strong and remember that this too shall pass.
Here are a few ways to stay strong during these stressful times:
Stay Updated Using Reliable Sources
It is vital to stay updated on all things COVID-19 while keeping the following in mind:
Make sure to check reliable sources such as the World Health Organization site.
Discourage your friends and family from sharing unverified and/or false news articles.
Don't get obsessive with checking updates. Constant checking can fuel negative emotions and is counterproductive.
Understand and Acknowledge Emotions
Being smack dab in the middle of a pandemic is a nerve-wracking place to be in. Nothing may seem to be normal anymore amidst a life-threatening crisis. Many of us may suddenly find ourselves in areas where there's been a COVID-19 outbreak, while the rest of us may find ourselves anticipating the same. During such unprecedented times, focusing on ourselves takes a backseat. Stop. Breathe. The feeling is completely normal. It is important for you to first acknowledge and then confront your emotions, be it anxiety, stress or fear. Find out what it is that you are going through—because you can only cope with an emotion once you know it exists within.
Stay Aware and Take Precautions
Whether you are in a country which has an outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic or not, it is important for your physical as well as your mental well-being that you stay hygienic. It cannot be stressed enough on how important it is that you take the following precautions:
Wash your hands with soap post contact.
Sanitize your hands post contact.
Avoid touching your face, especially the eyes or mouth.
Wear face masks whenever you step out in public.
Avoid going shopping unless it’s for essential goods and services.
Follow all other precautionary measures as published by the WHO.
The fact that you are thus doing everything that lies in your power to prevent the spread of the coronavirus should give you a sense of relief and alleviate the need to worry.
Exercise Regularly
With all the chaos that ensues, you must remember to take care of your own body. Experts say that working out releases hormones such as serotonin as well as endorphins that are essential in keeping your mood elevated, effectively relieving stress and fear. Do what it takes to keep yourself physically active. You could dance to your favorite songs, walk up and down the stairs, around an open space or even find a new fitness regime online.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The food you consume has a major impact on not just your physical but also your mental health. Make sure to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. You may just have to put in the extra effort when you’re at home by yourself as it is quite easy to lose control and give in to cravings. At the same time, make sure you’re not eating too less. Avoid salty and fatty foods and eat healthy, always.
Reach Out to Loved Ones
Give your friends and family a call every now and then and stay connected. Speaking to your loved ones releases the hormone oxytocin that makes you feel loved and needed. Once again, it is crucial that you establish a regular connect with the people in your life, as trivial as the conversations maybe.
Adopt an openly communicative approach and tell them how you've been doing, what you've been feeling, and ask them the same. You can even play fun games online, watch movies together, get on online dates, and so much more! Now is the time to get creative.
Find a New Hobby
During times like these, it is important for us to stay productive in any little way we can. You have to give your life a new purpose to keep you going. Moreover, some of the most successful companies were founded in adversities just like this. So find a course to do online using reputed websites such as Skillshare, Udemy or Coursera. Learning releases the hormone dopamine that helps you feel good and adds to your overall mood.
If you cannot get yourself on a fast pace whilst learning, do not beat yourself up about it. Each individual has their own pace and being in a pandemic may even alter that pace, so give yourself a break every now and then. If you're looking to learn how to play the guitar, it has lately become the go-to hobby to pick up.
Coping with Coronavirus
These are just a few ways to help you cope with the anxiety, stress and fear that comes with the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this post makes coping with coronavirus a little easier. Share this post to spread the love and in the knowledge that we are all in this together. If you can think of more ways to help, feel free to share your ideas in a comment below.
