Handling Stress During Covid-19
Photo by Engin Akyurt from Unsplash
COVID-19 has wreaked health havoc across the world. Millions of people got sick in the past year, and the number is still rising. People, all across the world, are working around the clock to reduce the viral spread and take care of the sick. Almost 1.87 million deaths have been reported globally to date. The governments of countries have imposed lockdowns and asked the people to socially distance themselves from each other. Healthcare providers are working day and night to ensure quality healthcare. However, the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic are wide-ranged and long-lasting.
People are not only falling sick physically but are also affected mentally. Lockdown and isolation have negatively impacted the mental health of people. Along with the infection rate, the rate of mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression have been increasing as well. Many people lost their loved ones to the viral infection and many lost their jobs. The pandemic has created such unrest that mental healthcare providers have started recognizing it as “quarantine depression.”
Almost all people are equally at risk to develop a poor mental state due to the pandemic. However, certain people are at greater risks. For example, children and teens are at increased risk of developing stress and anxiety due to the pandemic. Physicians, nurses, and medical attendants can experience burn out due to excessive workload. Finally, people who already have mental health diagnoses or who have experienced issues in the past are at increased risk.
The pandemic has likely hit your brain as well. But don’t worry. You’ve landed on the right page. Here we have some good tips to manage pandemic-related stress. So, let’s begin.
· Seek out reliable news sources
The first thing you need to do is to adjust your media sources and follow the authentic and trusted ones only. Don’t believe every news report or article that comes your way. For the latest information about the pandemic, seek out reliable sources like the CDC. Fake rumors and lies create undue stress.
· Limit the news time
It is highly recommended that you should limit the news to just a few minutes daily. Try to check it in the morning and then in the afternoon. Try not to watch and/or read the news before going to bed. Turning to the news all the time increases stress and doesn’t divert your mind to anything refreshing.
· Keep yourself busy
The best way to manage and handle stress is by diverting your mind as much as you can. Keep yourself busy with creative and productive activities. Do whatever you like (e.g., cooking, gardening, painting, reading, writing, dancing, etc.). Play indoor (or outdoor) games with your family. Have your children do their homework early and spend some time with them. Talk to your parents or spouse; help them with their chores. Keeping your mind busy can be the best option to keep stress at bay.
· Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Even though our lives have been changed and socially distanced, don’t give up on your daily routine. Keep practicing it as you normally do. Get up early, take a bath, have breakfast, and work. Make yourself fresh juices during the day. Make your day as healthy as you can. Go for a walk in the morning and in the evening. Exercise, meditate, and eat healthy. It will keep your brain healthy.
Conclusion
Stress, depression, and anxiety affect your mental wellbeing and can decrease your quality of life through the pandemic or lockdown. We hope that these tips will help you manage these challenges. We recommend you try the self-care techniques; but if the situation intensifies, please seek medical and/or emotional support immediately.
Sources
https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/managing-stress-during-covid-19