How to manage your Coronavirus anxiety – tips from psychologists
How to manage your Coronavirus anxiety? The coronavirus pandemic has spread across the globe. All over Europe people have to stay at home. Social isolation is aimed at trying to limit the spread of coronavirus disease and save the lives of the chronically ill and the elderly.
There is so much information about Covid-19 on TV, social networks and internet that it is hard to absorb everything and social isolation and quarantine do not make things better. It is a huge burden for everyone and especially for those who tend to worry excessively. The news about the coronavirus pandemic cause anxiety and stress, so it is no wonder that many so many people get depressed and have panic attacks.
We have to adapt to a new situation. Families with children find it particularly difficult because the parents often work at home and take care of their children at the same time. It is essential that we keep common sense and think positively! That is why we have some tips from psychologists how to manage your Corona pandemic anxiety.
How to manage your Coronavirus anxiety and concerns?
One of the first things that we need to realize is that it is natural to be stressed at a time like this. Can coronavirus anxiety be a good thing? It could, actually, because it keeps us from taking unnecessary risks. How to cope with all the stress? Here are some tips from psychologists for you. They will make you feel more in control until we are all back to normal life.
Take media breaks and filter the information
You need to make sure that you filter the information about coronavirus disease. Being informed is one thing but being overwhelmed by the news is something different. Keep in mind that there is a lot of fake news and misinformation about coronavirus and some of the news sound apocalyptical and scary. There is no need to get drowned in the flood of information flying from all over. Try to filter your information sources. It is best if you follow national health and government authorities or the World health Organization guidelines on preventing transmission of COVID-19. Make sure you wash your hands, avoid touching your face and seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough and breathing difficulties.
Follow a routine
Create a schedule and try to follow it. Many companies asked their employees to work from home which means that you need to follow a new routine. Look at the bright side – you are saving time on commuting and you can have an hour more of sleep or a longer lunch break. In a situation of social isolation it is important to keep as much to your usual habits. For example, if you are used to watch a movie in the evening or in the weekends, keep doing that. It is advisable to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption as they may increase your anxiety.
Eat healthy and go to bed as usually
There is no doubt that a healthy diet is important. Eating healthy is even more important in the times of quarantine and social isolation. Avoid alcohol ad it is a depressant. Try to keep your sleep routine. Go to bed early. Do not allow anxiety to disrupt your sleep schedule. It is good if you get at least 7 hours of night sleep. This will help you deal easier with stress during the day.
Stay connected
Keep in touch with family and friends. Coronavirus isolation made many of us stay at home. This, however, does not mean that we have to be isolated from the world. The communication with family, friends, neighbors and colleagues is very important as it helps minimize the isolating effect that social distancing or coronavirus quarantine may have on you. Keep talking with everyone who matters to you on the phone. You have video chats, texts, emails – use all channels of communication. If you feel that someone is contributing to your anxiety, it will be better to protect yourself by limiting the contacts with that person and distance yourself for some time. Talk to people who make you feel calmer, who you love and care about.
Listen to calming music or meditate
Is calming music makes you feel better? Does it relieve your anxiety? Then, by all means, play that type of music and enjoy listening to it. Meditation also helps. It allows you to control breathing and free your mind. Practice meditation at home without hesitation.
Perhaps you prefer a more cheerful and rousing music? Great! Just get up and dance in the living room! Moving is vital to managing stress and anxiety. Just find your way.
Do a project
Do you have a hobby? Take the chance to practice it! You can find a project for yourself – from artwork to cooking or organizing the closet. What could be a better time for doing a craft? Crosswords, Sudoku, puzzles – all of these will help your mind stay focused and relax your stress and coronavirus anxiety.
Think positively and laugh
Look at the bright side of things. Remind yourself that this coronavirus situation is temporary and it will pass. Think of the good news. On the first place, it is true that the chronically ill and the elderly are at great risk. But there are a lot of people who survive the virus. The number of those who have recovered is rising and is significantly higher than the number of deaths and seriously ill patients. Laugh! Try to keep your sense of humor. Nothing is more stress relieving than laughter. Remind yourself that you are not alone and that life will go on!
