Coronavirus: Cope with Anxiety, Stress and Fear

COVID-19 ( the current Coronavirus outbreak) has swept the entire world off its feet and has redefined the term normalcy. The anxiety, stress and fear that revolve around Coronavirus can take a toll on you emotionally, but one has to stay strong and always remember that “This too shall pass”.

Here are a few ways to stay strong during these stressful times: 1. Stay Updated

It is vital for you to stay updated on the COVID-19 outbreak whilst keeping the following in mind:

- Make sure to check reliable sources such as the World Health Organization

- Discourage your friends and family from sharing unverified and/or false updates

Do not get obsessive with checking updates constantly. This will only be counterproductive for your mental health and further fuel negative emotions.

2. Understand and Acknowledge your Emotions

Being in a pandemic is certainly a nerve-wracking situation to be in. Nothing is normal anymore and we are amidst a life-threatening crisis. Some of us are in areas where there has been a Coronavirus outbreak, and the rest of us are just anticipating the same. During unprecedented times like this, we often forget to focus on ourselves. It is important for you to acknowledge and confront your emotions be it anxiety, stress and/or fear. Find out what it is that you are going through — because you can only cope with an emotion efficiently once you find out what it is.

3. Stay Aware and Take Precautions

Whether you are in an area which has a Coronavirus outbreak or not, it is important for your physical as well as your mental well-being that you stay hygienic. Make sure you take the following precautions:

- Wash your hands frequently with soap/sanitize your hands

- Avoid touching your face - Wear face masks - Avoid going shopping unless it’s for essential goods and services - Follow all the other precautionary measures as published by the World Health Organization

The fact that you are 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.

4. Exercise Regularly

With all the madness that surrounds us, we must remember to take care of your own body. Working out releases hormones such as serotonin and endorphins that are essential in keeping your mood elevated and relieve stress and fear. Do what it takes to keep yourself physically active. You can dance to your favourite songs, walk up and down the stairs, around an open space or even find a new exercise/fitness regime online.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

The food you eat 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 might have to put in extra effort because you’re at home by yourself and it is quite easy to lose control and give in to all your cravings. At the same time, make sure you’re not eating too less. Avoid salty and fatty foods and eat healthily!

6. Reach Out to your 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 special. Adopt an openly communicative approach and tell them how you have been doing and what you have been going through.

You can even play fun games online, watch movies together, get on online dates, and the like. Now is the time to get creative!

7. 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. Find a course to do online on reputed websites such as Skillshare, Udemy or Khan Academy. Learning releases the hormone dopamine that helps you feel good and adds to your mood.

If you cannot get yourself on a fast pace whilst learning, do not beat yourself up about it. Each person has their own pace and being in a pandemic does not make anything easier for us.

If you're looking to learn how to play the guitar, it is a fantastic hobby to pick up indeed.

These are a few ways that can help you cope with the Anxiety, Stress and Fear that comes with the Coronavirus (COVID-19 Outbreak). If you can think of more ways to help the others in the community, please comment down below and let us know.

We hope this post helps you Cope with Anxiety, Stress and Fear during COVID-19.

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