With the Corona Virus (also known as Covid-19) spreading across the globe like wild fire, these are stressful and confusing times for everyone.
As the global Coronavirus pandemic affects many sides of our society, it affects everyone in different ways. Some people feel like the warnings are over-blown, some are being cautious, while others are scared to death.
The interruptions to daily life are by now are numerous. Children sent home from school and college, places of worship closed, social gathering places are all now off limits and the term “social distancing” are heard constantly.
Everyone is feeling uncertain about what might happen in the next few days, weeks and even months, and people are really stressed about what will happen to the economy, to their jobs, their bills, their health, elderly parents and much more.
Plus, with the news and social media constantly fully of doom and gloom, every one of us is hoping to slow down the spread of this pandemic.
Feeling uncertainty and anxiety are normal during the Covid-19 outbreak. but that doesn’t make anyone feel any better. If only there was an online magic button that could make everything better, right?
As everyone is worried about the Corona virus and mostly likely confused with all the different recommendations out there, we have listed few things that you can do right now to deal with the both Covid-19 emergency and the stress you may feel surrounding it.
Learn the facts about the coronavirus (officially known as COVID-19):
Understanding that what the corona virus is, how its spread, and what you could do to avoid it can help to ease your stress and fears. There’s so much disinformation social media that it’s no wonder that people are scared, stressed and confused.
Simple precautions provide protection against the Coronavirus:
Here are several things that you can do to prevent catching the disease or contributing to the spread of corona virus.
- Wash the hands properly using soap. Take your time, and wash them often.
- Stop touching your face! The average person unknowing touches their face about 23 times an hour!
- Turn away from people and cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. Couch / sneeze into your coat, the crook of your elbow or use a tissue – then throw it away and wash your hands.
- Practice “social distancing” and limit your exposure to groups of people to no more then 3-5 in a group.
- Clean your cell phone with a Lysol or other sanitation wipe. Most phones have more germs on them then a toilet seat!
Following the simple instructions above could significantly help to decrease the risk of catching as well as spreading corona virus.
But if you think you may have contracted Covid-19, it’s important to call your doctor or local hospital BEFORE you show up on their doorstep, as they will have enacted special protection procedures for the staff and other patients.
But before seeing a doctor, you can check the official CDC web site for a full list of corona virus symptoms.
Yes trying to stay infection free seems like a lot, but it helps to remind yourself now and then that you’re doing all you can if you start to get tense about Covid-19.
Lower stress by avoiding constantly checking for Covid-19 or Coronavirus updates:
With the all the new updates in the news and social media, it’s difficult to avoid being bombarded by it all. A simple strategy to help reduce the overwhelm you might feel is to just opt-out of the 24 hour news cycle.
Avoid checking for new updates every hour like so many people do. Trust us; nothing is going to change dramatically for the better or worse in a 24 hour period. Taking a look at the news or FB in the morning or evening is plenty and all you really need to keep yourself up to date.
Sticking to your daily routine lowers stress and anxiety as well:
With state and local governments shutting business and asking people to stay at home as much as possible, following to your daily routine can really make things seem more normal for both you and any children you might have in your household.
Trying to keep things as “normal” as possible is a simple way to weather the confines of being stuck inside for days, or even weeks.
Find things that could help you feel relaxed and stress free:
It is important that you take care of mental health as well as the physical health.
Thinking about some of activities that could support when you’re feeling stressed, such as writing down how you’re feeling, breathing techniques, talking to a friend or playing music, all go a long way to reducing stress and “cabin fever”.
Frequently things that divert your mind and keep you busy really helps with easing the feelings of stress and anxiety people feel when in situations like this.
Most importantly, remember to acknowledging how you’re feeling emotionally. If you’re feeling anxiety about the coronavirus it’s OK to say so. Being open and upfront with your feelings can prevent depression, feelings of dread and hopelessness too.
If those sorts of feelings start to pop up, it is good idea to talk about those feelings wherever possible with friends and family.
We know that things might stay to feel scary or overwhelming and sometimes all you need is to know that “everything is going to be ok.”