Coping with Coronavirus
Coronavirus pandemic – Tough times
Time and again, mankind has faced lots of challenges in terms of natural calamities, warfares and public health crisis and so on. The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has created a havoc around the globe affecting the lives of many. These are confusing, stressful times for all of us. As the coronavirus pandemic affects different facets of the society, it can impact each person in different ways. The disruptions to daily life are already being felt by many. The feeling of uncertainty prevails about what could happen in the coming weeks, as we hope to break the spread of this pandemic. Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are bound to occur during times like this.
Stress and Coping
Stress during outbreak of an tress during an infectious disease outbreak like Coronavirus can include; fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems, increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs and so on. People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Taking care of yourself, friends and family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.
5 ways to cope your stress of Coronavirus pandemic
1.Make sure you are taking the right things
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Limit the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which aren’t making you feel better. Perhaps decide on a specific time to check in with the news There is a lot of misinformation swirling around – stay informed by sticking to trusted sources of information such as government and WHO.
2.Self-care is important
Take care of your body by taking deep breaths, stretching, or meditation. If you are not trained or not sure how to go about then you can access the online references, including Kindle books on Amazon, YouTube guided meditation and yoga videos. You can also engage in playing musical instruments, singing or listening to music, writing or painting.
3.Good food practices are vital
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Eating regularly and keeping your blood sugar stable can help your mood and energy levels. Drinking enough water is important for your mental and physical health.
4.Make time to unwind.
Try to do some other activities at home that you enjoy. Plan how you’ll spend your time. It might end up actually feeling like quite a productive two weeks. You could work through your to-do list or read a book you’d been meaning to get to.
5.Connect with others.
Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Go digital. Stay connected with friends and family by Skype, Facetime, email, messenger and text, especially those who may be isolated. Be ready to listen to their concerns and share yours. Learn effective listening skills to help your friends and loved ones
Economic Burden and Coronavirus pandemic
Economic burden can also be a cause of mental stress due to the ongoing crisis of Coronavirus pandemic. Its spread has left businesses around the world counting costs. Once the health crisis ends, we can hope for the government of different countries would definitely concentrate on rebuilding the economy by all means. As entire globe and numerous countries are hit, as an individual we need to wait for the current acute situation to subside and further we can hope for improvement.
Final Note
In the coming days and weeks, fear and anxiety may increase as our lives continue to be disrupted and social distancing becomes necessary. As a society, we must work together with a sense of empathy. As individuals, we must inform ourselves of the facts, stay connected to the people we love and be kind to each other.
Together we can! We shall overcome !