During these tough times, our mental health has been challenged quite a lot. Lockdown, social distance, working from home and reduced entertainment places and wellbeing are example of main factors of stress. Nerveless all the bad news due to the coronavirus grew our worrying and provoked emotions such as: increased anxiety; feeling stressed; finding yourself excessively checking for symptoms, in yourself, or others; becoming irritable more easily; feeling insecure or unsettled; fearing that normal aches and pains might be the virus; having trouble sleeping; feeling helpless or a lack of control; having irrational thoughts.
1. Quantity and Quality of information
First thing we can do is to mind the quality and quantity of information we constantly get from news and Social Media. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate facts from rumours. This means, it is important Stay informed but set limits for news and social media, in addition to that use trustworthy and reliable sources to get your news.
2. Keep up your healthy routines
We all know the coronavirus altered our routines, but during difficult times like this, it’s best if you can keep some form of workout discipline. Indeed, you may still be able to do some of the things you enjoy and find relaxing.
For example, you could try to:
• walking regularly,
• keep regular sleep routines
• maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• avoid excess alcohol
• practice relaxation techniques such as meditation
• read a book
• search for online exercise or yoga classes, concerts, religious services or guided tours
• go to any classes where it’s possible to keep a distance of 2 metres between you and other people
• improve your mood by doing something creative
3. Stay connected to others
Friends and families are a good source of support. It is important to keep in touch with them and other people in your life.
If you need to restrict your movements or self-isolate, try to stay connected to people in other ways, for example:
• social media
• video calls
• phone calls
• text messages
Many video calling apps allow you to have video calls with multiple people at the same time.
Remember that talking things through with someone can help lessen worry or anxiety. You do not have to appear to be strong or to try to cope with things by yourself.
4. Smoking, drinking and eating for comfort
In some case, those habits above are increased because we feel bored or because we try to satisfy some deep emotions (e.g. comfort). It Is obvious that an abuse of such habits can only lead to serios problem to fix on the long period. It’s important to be able to recognise and separate out your emotions from your eating, drinking and smoking.
5. Do not make assumptions
Do not judge people or make assumptions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease. The coronavirus can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, or ethnicity. We are all in this together.