The pandemic induced by the coronavirus has altered life for billions of people, with factors such as ethnicity, religion, and income level or location notwithstanding. The worrisome thing is the virus just does not go away and widespread vaccination has not been able to eradicate it, causing high levels of mental stress.
While the medical community is busy finding ways to cope with the situation and with the 3rd wave of the coronavirus sweeping across the globe, you need to be in control — both physically and mentally. A crisis is something no one can escape and you have to learn ways to cope with it effectively.
You need to be in control
First of all, you have to come to terms with the fact that the situation is not ordinary — in fact, it is just the opposite. The virus is mutating and the repercussions on public life and activities are hard to guess. So you cannot expect things to normalize anytime soon.
There are likely to be disruptions in transportation, child care, availing facilities, and work situations. You have to be prepared for short-term lockdowns anytime, for sure. It is, therefore, necessary that you become prepared for dealing with disruptions in many forms, at least for the next year. You will have to develop the ability to act wisely and logically amidst an unprecedented situation and not succumb to mental stress.
6 tips to reduce mental stress and anxiety
1. Use media with restraint
To adhere to the lockdown and reduce physical contact with others, you have been spending more time indoors since 2020. This is something that cannot be evaded. However, refrain from checking out your social media feeds and news channels now and then. Doing so enhances the possibility of getting exposed to sensational news circulating on these platforms.
Not everything that is shared on social media and shown on TV is authentic. There are people with specific purposes and propaganda using these channels. So, limit your media consumption. Get Covid updates only from well-known health sector entities.
2. Resort to safe mental stress-busting options
It is not unusual to get bored with staying home most of the time. The boredom may make you feel like indulging in mental stress-busting activities. However, the bottom line is you have to think of safety even when you are having fun.
Heading to parks, recreation zones, and dining out may not be safe. So, try to find newer ways to relax and bust the mental stress. Indulging in indoor games, gardening, or revamping the home décor are some options. You may also resort to cooking from time to time.
3. Eating healthy matters
While staying indoors helps you stay safe from infections, there are other health issues to think of. A lot of people have gained weight while spending months at home. So, you must focus on eating healthy. Adhere to a diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight. Excess fat may impact your immune system and that gives an upper hand to the virus.
4. Staying in shape
While going to gyms can be risky, you can very well work out at home. There are several exercises that you can try at home and the web is a nice resource for finding such workout regimes. You may also try Zumba and aerobics if you want fun while working out.
Staying in shape will be crucial to reducing mental stress. Adhere to a healthy sleeping schedule as well.
5. Keeping things clean
While staying indoors offers you some protection from the virus, you must keep the house clean and sanitized. Otherwise, the benefits will be diminished. Make it a point to sanitize the interior and places like the main entrance, gate, doors, and windows every few days.
6. Panicking does not help
Above all, you should develop a mindset to stop panicking if things go awry. If someone you met recently in the neighborhood gets infected, you can’t stop it. But you can make a conscious effort not to let the mental stress overwhelm you and maintain your safety protocols in any situation.
Remember that several thousand individuals, including the elderly, have sailed through the pandemic and if you are careful and adhere to the basics, you will do the same.
