The magnitude of the problems that the world is facing right now is too overwhelming for us as individuals to contemplate. It is important to remember that we are all humans, and suffering is part of the human experience, it is something that all humans are faced with and not something that happens to individuals. Remember that currently, the whole world is facing this crisis, and that help is available.
In a crisis it is a normal human response to feel frightened, sad, stressed, confused, or even angry.
It is important to manage your stress effectively. However, with many people currently in home-isolation, doing so can be more difficult. Ensure that you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this includes keeping a healthy and well-balanced diet, regular sleeping patterns (7-9 hours) and daily exercise. Go out for a walk or exercise outside if possible, but make sure you allow for social distancing. When you are at home, try to keep your windows open to get the natural sunlight.
Many people report that they would like to be healthier, but that they don’t have enough time for exercise or to prepare healthy meals. Now is a great time to work on improving your healthy lifestyle and introducing new routines and healthy habits! Counsellors are always available if you need help establishing those habits.
It is also important to avoid relying on substances (i.e., alcohol or other drugs) to cope with difficult emotions.
In fact, now is an excellent time to quit smoking! It may be easier to quit at this time, given the change of normal routine and triggers, as well as clear motivation to quit. In particular, Smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and if you are a smoker and you contract the Covid-19 virus, there is clear evidence indicating that the virus will stick to the smoker’s lungs more easily and cause lung injury, leading to death. If you need help quitting, try using online resources, or alternatively, contact a counsellor.
Here are some suggestions to help manage heightened emotions during this challenging time:
- Use the time to spend with family and friends via videoconferencing or telephone.
- Use the time to reflect and work on self-development
- Learn a new skill – maybe there is something that you have been wanting to do but haven’t had the time?
- Read more – there are many free resources and audiobooks available through online libraries.
- See what is being offered online – thanks to many wonderful creative individuals and groups there are many fantastic resources available online such as music concerts, museum tours, film festivals, and live master cooking classes.
- Check-in with your social networks and the local community to see if they need help – reaching out to others and helping those in need is highly rewarding!
- You can also survey your social networks and see what others are doing to manage this difficult period.
- Improve your living environment, clean up and donate extra things that you do not use. Create a warm and comfortable living space (for example see https://www.thespruce.com/create-good-feng-shui-in-your-home-1275057)
- If you have a garden, work outside in the garden
- Start a new daily exercise routine (for example Nike is offering a free app with home training modules https://www.nike.com/ntc-app).
*If you do feel overwhelmed, talking to a mental health care professional is advised. There are many services available now via videoconferencing or even via telephone.
It is critical that we all follow the government guidelines, trust that our leaders know best, as they are being informed by every possible scientific and professional source; don’t listen to other peoples’ ideas or unreliable sources which are not founded on factual information. Make sure you have factual information and rely only on credible sources such as the following:
Many people like to feel a sense of control when overwhelmed. If you feel stressed or anxious, a good way to cope with this is by monitoring your own situation and following precisely what the guidelines say, for example (quoted directly from the WHO guidelines):
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
- Stay up to date with the latest information
