HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE UP WITH STRESS DURING COVID-19

Human beings have exceptional capabilities to adapt and adjust to situations and circumstances really fast. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic seems to be stretching endlessly. Amidst all the happenings around us, there is fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Too many things have simultaneously come over us and are weighing us down. These could be ours and our family’s health, job security, managing finances, procuring essentials like groceries and medicines, isolation, boredom, negativity and even depression.

During such a crisis, it is common for everyone to experience increased levels of distress and anxiety, particularly as a result of social isolation. Most of us have a question that’s constantly on our minds – “It’s getting on my nerves now. How do I deal with all of this?”

Learning to cope up with stress in a healthy way will make you, the ones you care for; and those around you become more resilient. Here are some quick tips that could be helpful for you to reduce your worry and anxiety; cope up with the situation and look at the brighter side of life.

1. Social interactions, a quick stress buster!

Social distancing is often misunderstood. We have to maintain it, but physically. Social interactions are always allowed. Don’t break off all your social contacts - just that you maintain distance from other people physically. Being connected with friends and relatives is crucial for mental health, as it keeps anxiety and stress away. 

To add fun to the experience; arrange a singing or a dance competition on a group video meeting; play games or organize a virtual lunch or a party. Whatever, but be socially connected, maintaining a physical distance. In a way, you are helping others also remaining cheerful and calm.

2. Vent it out to someone close to you

There’s nothing wrong if you feel fear, stress, anxiety, anger, or pain due to the circumstances and the happenings. Even if all is well at your end, it’s only natural to feel low and gloomy when you are seeing lakhs of people going through such bitter experiences. We may be gathering a lot of negativity, but do not let it bottle up. It is necessary to speak out to someone close to you, whom you trust and who understands you.  If you allow everything to pile up and accumulate inside, you are making yourself much more vulnerable to numerous health issues. Be free to share your feelings. You’ll instantly feel lighter and happier.

3. Social media, your news source? NO, that’s a bad idea!

It’s a good idea indeed to stay updated about the latest happenings in your social circle. However, if you start believing everything that is posted on social media to be true, you’ll end up ruining your health and happiness. The same may be the case if you expose yourself to too much news. Take only necessary and relevant information and that too from credible sources.

Knowing the facts about COVID-19 and learning what you can do to stay safe can reduce your anxiety. It’s also important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, new guidelines, and potential restrictions, but not at the cost of mental health by believing all social media posts.

4. Food is important, healthy food even more!

It’s true that packaged food, or a ready-to-eat meal, is easy and comfortable, particularly while the mind is not at peace. Though such foods may offer temporary taste and convenience, they could bring in other health problems.  If you cannot cook healthy food at home, order something that is healthy, and if you cannot find fresh fruits or vegetables, choose frozen ones instead. Nevertheless, avoid packaged and processed foods as much as possible. 

5. Working from home? Strike a balance between home and work hours! 

“Working from home drains me more!” You may be the one resonating with this statement. Working from home may be quite difficult and uncomfortable, especially if you live in a joint family or have small kids at home. The distractions could be innumerable. In such a case, you need to prioritize the tasks on hand. No one can finish everything in a day, and that held true even when you were working from the office as well.  So simply define your priorities, go easy and steady, take breaks in between (avoid social media) and enjoy working. 

6. Love sleeping? If not, start loving it now!

We all know the importance of sleep since we were children. It not only makes you feel fresh, but it also improves mood and health too! More so like sleep, the sleep-wake cycle is also important. Try to go to bed and get up around the same time each day. To fall asleep quickly, minimize screen time (time that you spend on mobile / tablets/television) before going to bed. If something is on your mind and it’s keeping you from falling asleep, try writing it down. Listen to some music or try doing small guided meditations for sleep. These can be very helpful.

7. No time for exercise? It’s just a myth! 

Yes! Waking up early for exercise is difficult for many of us. Don’t worry; you can still exercise whenever you wake up. Stretching, bending, some yoga, weight lifting, all these can be managed at home. And if not, do deep breathing or some mindfulness exercises that instantly reduce stress and anxiety and have amazing health benefits. YouTube and mobile app markets are flooded with many solutions for simple exercises at home.

8. Positivity kills Negativity! 

More than what’s actually happening; it’s your negative thoughts and unnecessary feeding of the mind that keep you stressed and anxious. The best thing would be practicing positivity by challenging your negative thoughts. Write down positive things you experienced during the day. List down things you could be thankful for, or practice affirmations to take your mind off all the negativity. Interact more with people who have a positive outlook towards life. 

9. Add fun to your life! 

Think, what is it that you like the most? A long drive? Playing with kids? Sports? Cooking? Music? Writing or reading? Photography? Drawing or painting? Something else? Whatever it may be, spare some time daily for it. Indulging in such activities brings in a surge of ‘happy hormones’ in your body. This will keep your mind fresh, energetic and away from unnecessary worries. 

10. What if you need more help? 

In case you really need more help, and your stress or anxiety levels are bothersome, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. He/she knows what is best for you.

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