8 Ways to deal with coronavirus/COVID-19 related anxiety & stress

The corona virus pandemic has the world in its grip. Lockdown, isolation  and curfew are words  you hear all the time. Routines are disrupted and lives are changing rapidly.

Along with all the actual inconvenience, there is a feeling of panic. While recognising the gravity of the situation, we need to make sure that we don’t succumb to anxiety.

Here are just a few suggestions that are quite simple and that you know already. I have just put them down as a reminder :  

1. Stay in touch with friends.

This seems to be an oxymoron when we are supposed to practise social distancing, but I mean staying in touch via telephone or social media. Logging in to your various groups on Whatsapp or Facebook etc is a good way to stay in touch too. This virtual contact dispels the lonelness  that you can experience while in social distancing, isolation or quarantine.  

2.Trust guidelines only from credible sources.

You will find lots of advice on the internet regarding prevention and treatment of CVID-19 (coronavirus). Some of this is dis-information while some is alarmist propaganda.

Before you follow any guidelines, take a few seconds to check the credentials of the person/website/organisation etc that they are coming from. Some credible channels like the BBC are also debunking popular myths related to the virus that are circulating.  

3.Limit yourself to a fixed number of news updates.

Yesterday evening, I spent a very stressful couple of hours which I later realised were the result of watching pandemic-related news. But worrying won’t solve anything so I have decided to seriously limit watching the news.  

It is good to keep abreast of the current situation in the world but staying glued to the screen watching the rising number of infected people as well as rising number of deaths will only lead to a feeling of panic.  It is a good idea to check on the news at only a few fixed times every day.

What happens to me is that someone or the other in my family turns on the news all the time. After last night’s panic attack, I just find something to do in another part of the house whenever this happens.  

    4..Keep busy.

You must have read tons of articles etc that advise you to remain busy to avoid stress, anxiety and depression. This advice holds gpod especially in these days of coronavirus related stress.

Although several people are having to work from home online, there are many others who are not fully occupied. For these people, it is best to develop some routine and find some creative activities that keep you occupied and hence stress-free.    

5.Eat healthy

Even with lockdown, in most areas , grocery shopping is not too difficult. This is a good time to focus on eating healthy.

With more people at home, it is difficult to plan meals that please everyone. How about getting everyone on board on meal planning and preparation.    

6.Get some physical activity.

Gyms and sports centres have been closed in most parts of the world as part of social distancing and lockdown.This means that you have to rely on your own devices to get some physical activity. You may be lucky enough to have a nice garden or a place to walk near your home. If you are stuck in an apartment building, its a little hardeer but not impossible. You may have seen YouTube videos of sportsmen in lockdown practising hockey and cricket in their living rooms. Not everyone needs to turn their living room into a mini-stadium. You can get some exercise by walking around your block or using the stairs instead of the elevator.    

7.Set a routine. After the first few days of lounging around in your PJs and binge-watching your favourite shows, you will feel better if you set yourself some kind of routine. Believe me, it will prevent boredom from setting in. This could be as simple as setting  more or less fixed meal-times. Routines go a long way towards keeping anxiety at bay.

8.Remain cheerful and grateful. As you brave isolation, curfews and lockdowns, try to maintain a positive mental attitude. If you and your family are still healthy, be grateful. If you are affected, try to remain cheerful while observing all the neccessary treatments and precautions. The virus will take its time to leave your system, why be miserable? I know this is easier said than done but maintaining a positive outlook will help you bear it better.   What are you doing during the coroanavirus/Covid-19 crisis? Are you in self-isolation, lockdown or quarantine? Do give us any tips you are using to cope with this stressful time in the comments section below. Please remember to like and follow.   All images courtesy Unsplash