Managing Stress During COVID-19
Coronavirus has preoccupied our minds with constant threat and fear because of its global widespread and steeply rising death toll. It has also twisted us psychologically and emotionally in everyday interactions and has socially isolated us which was never imagined in this age and time. Our fast-paced lives have slowed down and almost halted. None of us could have thought that after such technological evolution of our societies, we would ever have to encounter a complete lockdown from the world and be socially isolated to this extent. However, we need to deal with this stress and anxiety to alter our thoughts and actions positively and have significant effects on our mental and physical health and boost our immunity to survive through this period of evolution.
Here are the top 5 ways that will help you cope up with stress during the crisis.
Avoid Information Upload
Try to avoid or minimize watching, reading or listening to information about coronavirus. This will help you feel less anxious, stressed or worried. The reason why COVID-19 news is causing so much stress is that there are a lot of myths and misinformation regarding the virus. Ever since the new coronavirus sprang its roots from Wuhan City, China to different parts of the world, a lot of information is circulating both on television and social media platforms. Seek for valid information from experts only and limit your media exposure to avoid yourself from stressing out and being on high alert all the time.
Tip: You can check the following organisations for accurate information regarding the COVID-19 at specific times during the day:
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Practice Guide
Every morning, take a moment to understand and appreciate the opportunities and blessings you are blessed upon at this time. Be grateful to be able to wake up every morning and spend quality time with your loved ones. Value and cherish each moment and be grateful for it. You can also maintain a gratitude journal or simply list the things you are grateful for in your notes. Know that small acts of gratefulness can uplift you and also make a difference for others around you.This gratitude exercise each day will heighten your energy levels, decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.
Tip: You can keep a journal. Use gratitude affirmations to keep yourself motivated and positively charged.
Try Meditation
Try meditation to help yourself deal with stress, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic. It will help your body grow mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically by restoring your calm state and reducing the impact of stress on your health.
Tip: You can start with 10 minutes a day to meditate in a quiet, comfortable place. Relax your body, close yours and take deep breaths. Try focusing on your breath and shun any thought that comes to your mind. A daily practice of this will surely work wonders for you.
You can also check videos of meditation online for help and get started today.
Create a Routine & Practice Good Habits
The best thing you could do right now is to focus on the actions that are in your control. Invest your time in doing the things you like. Engage in creative activities, such as painting or crafts. Just breathe and relax your mind and body. Meditate or exercise and attempt to make a routine. Make most of this time by watching movies, reading a book, playing indoor games with your family. Nature has allowed you to do the things that you wanted to do but could not manage during your hectic work schedule. But remember to be productive because productivity gives you a sense of achievement that instantly induces happiness and in return de-stresses you. This will also help you focus and shift your attention from the chaos to the important task at hand.
Tip: Plan out an effective and productive routine for yourself that includes both work and some relaxing time with family. Make your weekly target list and cross out the tasks once you’ve done them.
Exercise
Exercising can be vital in maintaining a healthy mind and body and releasing stress. Physical activity produces endorphins in our body that are known to be natural painkillers. These also help our body destress and improve sleep too.
Tip: Find out different ways you can exercise at home. Yoga might also be helpful for you as it combines exercise and meditation.
Below are a few things that you can do:
dancing, swimming, Zumba, playing a sport, skipping, brisk walking and running.