When the movie 2012 came out, there were definite rumors that the world was going to end in 2012. Who would have thought that it would come true so horrifically? The entire world is currently battling with a disease named Covid-19, popularly being called Coronavirus. It has dissipated immense tension worldwide, countries like China, the US, and Italy are the most hit by this pandemic.
A virus that originated in Wuhan, China, has raised health concerns globally due to its death toll. WHO has declared that the entire world needs to be on lockdown to prevent community spread. However, there is no need to panic amidst the lockdown; it may seem impossible, especially for those working in offices, but it is necessary for the country and its people.
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Identification of Stress
First of all, you need to say to yourself that it is entirely normal to feel sad, anxious, and depressed at such times. When the news surrounds you if deaths all around and your routine suddenly comes to a standstill, you may feel stressful. This is because people are used to working aggressively, where they find no time to stop. And when suddenly the entire world stops, it becomes difficult to absorb the circumstances.
Most people find happiness in their work, spending time with friends, and traveling to different places. However, people who have had episodes of mental disorders need to be extra careful because they may experience triggers and bounce backs. It is very important that you identify what you are feeling. Ignorance can be bliss, but not when it comes to your mental health.
Sitting at home idle, overthinking, having no one to talk to, adjusting in a different place and change in routine are the major causes behind the disturbance in your mental health. Hence, one has to find ways to keep them sane amid the pandemic. Have faith in yourself, and remain as optimistic as you can. You can even take the help of delusion, which means that you need to imagine as if nothing is happening, and everything has been a part of your life since forever.
How to manage anxiety?
When it comes to the management of anxiety, it is essential to see why it suits you the best and what works for you. Most of them are at the comfort of their home, but those stranded in their flats with friends or alone, you need to ensure that you take the below steps very seriously to keep yourself mentally healthy:
Stop panic buying
Not only in India, people worldwide have emptied all the departmental stores and grocery shops to stock the food supplies in their homes. The government has, however, ensured time and again that essential commodities will be provided from door to door.
Not only this, but medical and grocery stores will be open for a certain period of time every day. So do not panic about stocking the food, think about the underprivileged who do not have finances to buy food.
Exercise regularly
Yes, it is necessary to stay mentally healthy, but believe it or not, staying physically fit helps a lot to keep the mind sane. Amidst all the negative news that you are receiving on your phone and news channels, you can save yourself positively by doing exercise.
Yoga and meditation are the key elements to calm your mind by creating vibrations. Even if you are not used to doing it, you can add it to your daily routine and make it a habit.
Eat healthy food
Amidst Coronavirus, one thing that no one should overlook is eating healthy. Building an immunity system is the only way of staying away from this disease apart from quarantine and hygiene.
Fruits and raw vegetables are the most nutritious meals of the day, try drinking juices and eating dry fruits regularly throughout the day. Eating healthy makes you feel good about yourself and hence, secures you from feeling anxious and stressful.
Explore your creativity
Since we have all got so much time, why not learn a new lesson. This is the only time when we can save the world by staying indoors by doing absolutely nothing. Do something that you have always wanted to do but never found time to.
Take online classes to learn a new instrument or recipe, or language or anything. You have infinite choices. But remember not to force yourself in being creative just to become productive. If you want to stay in bed all day, it is okay. Do what makes you happy.
You may need a day or two to get along with the routine, but it is essential to cope with the anxiety. Give yourself time, do not expect too much from yourself. Say to yourself that you are doing your best, and this time is going to end soon.
Be mindful about media sources
Unfamiliarity makes us experience discomfort, which, in result, forces us to adjust to the circumstances. The researcher has found that 77% of people show signs of anxiety, stress, and depression during an epidemic. It is majorly because we are feeding ourselves news that is making us negative and pessimistic. When one has nothing to do, he or she tends to seek escape in social media.
However, it is very much necessary to stay well informed and share positive things online, but the amount of garbage that it puts in our brain is unbelievable. You can reduce your media consumption by knowing what to consume when to consume and how to consume. Here are some ways of managing social media:
- Filter the applications that you use on your mobile phone or laptop.
- Decide the time of usage of every application based on nature and necessity.
- Use television for factual information and entertainment purposes only.
- Do not discuss what you have socially consumed regarding the disease.
How to make a schedule, and why would it help?
You cannot expect yourself to be productive throughout the day. Hence you need to divide your day into parts wherein you can strategize what to do and when to do.
Keep mornings for making breakfast, exercising and meditating, and taking a bath. Afternoons are best for learning to cook a meal, having lunch, working from home, learning something new, and watching something for entertainment. You can listen to music, have dinner and paint, read or write something at night.
Having an action plan is better than doing nothing. Combine physical activities with mental exercises to better your lifestyle. Talk to your family and friends if you have any signs of mental illness or disorder, seek professional help immediately if needed.
Certainly, the pandemic will go away. With the number of positive patients surging, it may be difficult to focus yourself on better things, but the hope is all you have, and hope is all you need. During such outbreaks and lockdowns, it is essential for us to see the brighter side, even if there isn’t any.
Fortunately, the environment is detoxing but at the cost of deaths. At such times, coping with anxiety is nearly impossible, but lockdown will end. However, if we don’t take care of our mental health, we may not be able to cope up ever again. Let’s have faith, and let’s cope with this challenging time together.
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