With the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation continuing to evolve, it’s difficult to feel grounded. We are all dealing with major disruptions in our lives and overwhelming unknowns that have shaken our foundations. Stay-at-home orders across the country are vital for preventing the spread of the virus, they also add to a general sense of anxiety. Daily routines have been interrupted, many people have been isolated from friends and family and worries are at an all-time high.
While feeling worried is normal and to be expected during a national disaster, it is easy to fall into panic or feeling completely overwhelmed. But focusing on maintaining your mental health will help you weather this outbreak successfully and be present as a support system for your family and friends.
Here are some ways to care for yourself emotionally, given the stress of staying at home and socially distancing yourself from friends and family.
1. Understanding Covid19: Educating yourself about COVID-19 can help give you a sense of understanding and control in the midst of what feels so much unknown. Check reputable websites for news and information about the virus-like the World Health Organization for accurate updates and helpful resources.
2. Take a break from the news: While it’s good to stay informed about COVID-19, it’s also important to take a break. Constant consumption of the news will cause anxiety levels to increase, so once you feel informed for the day, step back and engage with something else.
3. Focus on what you can control, let go of what you can’t: Taking steps to protect yourself is in your power to control, like being vigilant about handwashing and sanitizing, establishing a regular daily routine for yourself if you are newly working from home. When you feel like you have your life relatively under control, it can be easier to let go of the things you cannot change, like the spread of the virus or your region’s social distancing restrictions.
4. Look after your physical self: Our mind and body are connected, so taking care of your physical well-being is good for your mental health as well. Remember to keep exercising, eat a healthy diet and get a good night’s sleep.
5. Schedule Me Time: Making time to unwind is critical for effective self-care. Often, an individual can feel guilty or anxious when deciding to rest. It is important to make time for yourself to do nothing or something you enjoy doing for yourself. Perhaps you can read a book or simply sit outside looking at the sky. Maybe you’ll drink your favorite kind of tea while looking out the window. You are the best person to give yourself permission to rest, permission to be kind and loving with yourself.
6. Reframe your thoughts: This is a confusing moment for everyone, and sometimes it feels easier to downplay your emotions and push your fears aside, but burying your stressful emotions won’t make them go away, so remember that it is ok to be nervous, overwhelmed or scared right now. Challenge negative or anxious thoughts by writing down why the thought is making you feel the way you feel. Question it heavily. Is your worry realistic?
7. Stay connected: As we prioritize creating distance, also make it a priority to integrate “face-to-face” interactions with your community into your life. Especially in times of crisis or difficult times, we as humans thrive on social interactions and connectedness. Scheduling routine calls can help you and your loved ones during times of stress. It is important to talk about your feelings, as well as enjoy conversations that are unrelated to the pandemic.
8. Reach out for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. As mentioned earlier, make sure you’re bringing virtual connections with friends and family into your life. If you find that you need more support, reach out to your mental health provider or find one for the first time.
These are unprecedented times and we need to work extra hard to manage our emotions well. Reach out to a counsellor to know more about how to manage these negative emotions and care for your mental well-being. Call/whatsapp Ms. Seema Agarwal: +91 98205 76682