As you watch the events around the outbreak of Coronavirus unfurl, it is not unnatural to feel increasing stress and panic.
The news keeps pouring in and the information can be overwhelming and scary. You may have anxiety and fear due to a lot of issues such as dealing with at-risk family members or patients, trying to keep kids occupied while being indoors all day, managing to get work done while at home, or simply adjusting to the new situation. As the days go by, the stress can add up and affect you both physically and mentally.
Here are a few steps to manage that stress
1. Exercise Regularly
Aerobic exercises can still be done within the walls of your home or the compound of your apartment, such as walking, running or climbing stairs. Even playing with your kids or pets can help burn off some calories.
Exercising helps release endorphins within your system, which play a vital role in elevating your mood and keeping a positive attitude. Stretching exercises and yoga also help keep you fit and your mind calm. Subscribe to easy-to-follow YouTube videos or fitness and wellness websites for simple exercise regimens to do at home.
2. Take a Break
The constantly negative news can be a lot to handle. Decide the amount of exposure to the news that works for you. Especially if there are children involved, make sure you expose them to only age-appropriate material. Try to disconnect physically and mentally from anything to do with the Coronavirus coverage. Play with puzzles, read a book, reorganize or clean instead.
3. Connect with Others
During these times of uncertainty or fear, it is essential to connect with others. Being in isolation and all the unwarranted fear can lead to stress and depression. Reach out to family, friends, and colleagues regularly through phone calls, messages or emails. Check on those who are living by themselves and the elderly members of your family. It also helps to rationalize your fears and be informed on how they are doing.
4. Take Adequate Rest
Stress and anxiety created by the evolving news and information overload can be aggravated by a lack of sleep. Getting the recommended amount of sleep aids in managing stress and staying focused during the day. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol or nicotine before bedtime. Having a bedtime routine is also recommended, such as taking a bath, or having a cup of non-caffeinated herbal tea before you go to sleep. Planning for the next day also helps alleviate stress due to uncertainty.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Unnecessary stress can cause you to overeat or eat unhealthy, adversely affecting your metabolism. Avoid emotional eating by identifying trigger factors and keeping away from the urge. Keep healthy snacks around you such as fruit bowls, nuts or even granola bars. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day helps regulate your mood and emotions. Good nutrition also keeps your immune system healthy.
6. Practice Good Hygiene
Be extra vigilant and follow the precautions that have been advised. Keep your floors clean and sanitize hard surfaces regularly. Make sure you take a bath every day and are maintaining a daily personal hygiene routine.
7. Find Ways to Express Yourself
Whether by putting pen to paper, capturing videos, scrapbooking, keeping a journal or by blogging, expressing yourself helps to cope with your feelings. You can either write extensively or just a line a day, as long as you find a hobby that works best for you. This keeps the stress away and gives you something to look forward to every day
8. Get Organized
Being at home all day may inspire you to re-organize your furniture or rearrange your wardrobe. Taking up a small project at a time and completing it can give you a sense of achievement. This can also bring some changes that you may have always wanted, but didn’t have the time for.
9. Offer to Help People When You Can
If you need help with groceries or medications for someone at home, do not hesitate to ask for help. Similarly, if you are stepping out, you can take a list of errands from elderly or sick people who cannot get out. Helping people out gives you a sense of fulfillment and calms the restless mind.
10. Evade Paranoia
The virus can turn even the sanest people into hypochondriacs. Reading about people experiencing all kinds of symptoms on the internet can make you start scrutinizing yourself for the slightest changes. Your mind begins to race through the possibilities and tries to figure out whether there is danger and what to do about it. The challenge lies in managing the anxiety that comes with it. Avoid building up small things in your head and focus on the now. Avoid thinking too far into the future and try to stay positive.
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