Watch your inner voice, stay positive, think for yourself, and keep doing all the preventive measures you have been doing all along.
Getting through the pandemic is hard. However, as my grandparents used to say in potentially deadly circumstances, it’s better than the alternative! Still, no doubt, this is a very hard time. If you are willing to admit the virus is something serious, you are either spending so much time at home that you have already climbed the walls numerous times and could be feeling numb to the core. If you do have to venture out into the world, you might constantly be worrying about what might happen next in terms of your health.
Everyday people speaking with BBC.com shared their bits of advice on keeping mentally cool during the coronavirus pandemic. Here is some of what they said.
Keep a schedule, even if it’s just eating at certain times. This is important if you live on your own and the hours of the day seem somewhat meaningless.
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When you do eat, you might consider doing it with a friend over video, again, if you are alone. Even if the restaurants and bars are open in your area, if local cases of COVID-19 are still high, it really is not safe to dine out, or, at each other’s homes. If you do get together, do it outside, in the backyard or in a park, and stay socially distanced.
If your local gyms are closed and the parks are busy, try exercising with a friend online. Take turns with your friends teaching each other something new over video chat. Don’t forget to Zoom with your family often as well, if you get along but are not living with one another.
If you are quarantining at home and feeling well enough to get out of bed, work on your hobbies. Play music, garden, bake, and catch up on movies and podcasts. Two weeks is long, but not as long as two months. You will make it. Just stay away from your housemates.
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If you live in a place that HAS opened up fully but cases are soaring, you might find it difficult to feel in control of your own health. Try to do what is within your control. Experts say you might consider making decisions for yourself, as much as you can. Just because friends are doing something, like going to a crowded beach for an afternoon of fun, does not mean you need to.
If it makes you uncomfortable, stay home. That could be your animal-self warning you that the situation is actually unsafe.
You might also consider sharing your opinion about what is going on with your local politician. If you are worried about your area opening up and staying healthy, let them know. This can help you feel that you are doing what is within your power.
John-Manuel Andriote writing for PsychologyToday.com issues the reminder to monitor your self-talk. Focus on positive action and information. Remind yourself that this too shall pass.
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Finally, adjust your “normal” to feel less anxious. If socializing with friends is something you feel you must do frequently, limit the size of your group. You can still get your “friends fix” by meeting one or two people. Avoid large crowds.
If leaving home worries you and you can do your job from home, ask your employer if you can continue this way, until a vaccine comes out, or as long as is possible.
Practice all the preventive measures you can. Wash your hands, sanitize them, wear a mask, wear a visor, and practice social distancing. Remind yourself that you are doing what you can.
Call a friend to talk about your worries. Be thankful for the positive things in your life. Remind yourself of hard times you have been through before, and survived. Above all, do what makes you happy but keeps you, and others, healthy.
photo credits: tryam/Shutterstock.com
