The number of people diagnosed with coronavirus increases every day. It may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, and frustrated. It also makes us worry about how to protect our loved ones.
Remember that it’s OK to have those feelings. If you don’t know how to cope with all these feelings, here are 10 tips that will help you feel calmer during this uncertain time:
Stay Connected With People
Having a support system is one of the most important things for our mental wellbeing. Having someone you trust to talk to will help you go through this crucial time and make the right decisions.
Focus on The Things You Can Control
Honestly, there isn’t a lot we can do about what is happening. However, are things we can control like:
- Wash your hands with soap and disinfect them frequently
- Keep your hands away from your face
- Stay at home except for essential needs
- Keep some distance from others in public places
- Protect your face when you are close to others
Look After Your Body
Good nutrition and sufficient movement are good for both body and mind. Staying at home or feeling stressed can make it easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behavior that end up making you feel worse.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Drink enough water and exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking or drugs, and try not to drink too much alcohol.
- Get enough sleep
- Laugh and have fun
Limit the Amount of Information
It’s important to know what is happening around us and in the world but checking coronavirus updates every hour keeps the threat and uncertainty fresh in our mind all the time.
There’s not a lot we can do other than taking some preventive measures.
The World Health Organization’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus encouraged people to check the news from reliable sources only once or twice a day.
Support and Help Others
Helping someone else can benefit you as well as them.
Do your part in protecting your community, whether by helping more vulnerable neighbors with groceries or staying home even if restaurants or other public places are open.
Engage in Low-Risk Activities
Make a list of activities that you can do that will not present a high risk of getting coronavirus. Here are some examples:
- Read a book
- Draw, paint, knit or do something else creative
- Take a nap
- Watch a movie
- Listen to an audiobook
- Play games with family
- Declutter and organize
Just Breathe
When you feel uncertainty and worry creeping in, focus on your breathing.
Psychiatrist Dr. Mimi Winsberg, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Brightside, recommends the 4-7-8 method, which can reinstill a sense of calm when you feel out of control.
The method involves breathing in for four seconds, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight, Briana Borten, clinical ayurvedic specialist and founder of The Dragontree wellness company, previously told Insider.
Write in a Journal
Allow yourself time to work through your thoughts about coronavirus. Get a notebook and write down everything that comes to your mind. Once you finish, shift your attention to self-care and keep your mind busy.
Stick to The Facts
Find a credible source you can trust – such as GOV.UK or the NHS website – and fact-check information you get from newsfeeds, social media or other people. Make sure you limited yourself to a couple of checks a day.