HOW TO MANAGE STRESS CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC

drkmh HOW TO MANAGE STRESS CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC

 

Every news channel has their own opinion about COVID 19 related deaths, vaccines and just about everything. Reading too much about COVID 19 can stress you out. Steer clear of such news pieces and stay positive.

The COVID 19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down. A simple activity such as going to the gym or grocery shopping now entails a certain amount of mental and physical preparation. Wearing a mask, while on the surface seems like an easy thing to do, for many the mask is a muzzle on their freedom. It signifies the biggest lifestyle change since the onset of the pandemic. The lockdowns have left a lasting impact- from lost livelihoods to changed job-profiles. As such, the stress of the pandemic sometimes seems more pressurising than the disease itself!

 

The lack of real interactions and the heavy restrictions on movement has left us rather disoriented and grovelling in the dark wondering what next. A vaccine for COVID 19 is nowhere near ready. This means we have to brace ourselves for more lockdowns and more months of this near-isolation. Here are a few tips on how to beat the stress of a pandemic that demands staying indoors.

 

1. FOLLOW PANDEMIC PROTOCOL

 

Wearing a mask, washing hands, and carrying a hand sanitiser at all times is mandatory. Adhering to these simple steps prevents the spread of the disease, and knowing that you can neither contract the infection nor spread it, will give you peace of mind.

 

2. STEP OUTDOORS BUT WITH CAUTION

 

If you are working from home, you may be stuck indoors all the time. Taking a break to take a quick walk around your home/apartments will be a refreshing change. However, don’t forget to wear a mask and to carry a sanitiser with you.

 

3. STAY CONNECTED

 

You may not meet your friends in person, but that does not mean your friendship is over. Stay connected through phone calls and video calls.

 

4. LIMIT SOCIAL-MEDIA TIME

 

Log on to any social media page and there’s a lot of negativity. Every news channel has their own opinion about COVID 19 related deaths, vaccines and just about everything. Reading too much about COVID 19 can stress you out. Steer clear of such news pieces and stay positive.

 

5. SET A ROUTINE

 

Just because you do not need to go to the office does not mean you have an erratic timetable. Waking up early and going to bed early will help you stay alert and prepared. Planning out your activities a day in advance eases stress further.

 

6. PICK A NEW HOBBY

 

If you have extra time on your hand despite office work and house chores, get involved in a hobby-activity that you have always wished to do. Most people find gardening a soothing and rewarding hobby; for others, it is baking. Take some time to figure out what you want to do and go for it. This will keep your mind off the coronavirus and related fears.

 

7. REACH OUT

 

If social distancing and isolation are bringing you down and you cannot lift up your spirits, seek professional help. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist can help you understand yourself better and help you overcome depression/ anxiety.