As the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching implications continue to unfold globally and within our community, it's normal for people to experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions including anxiety, fear and frustration. These experiences are all understandable in the face of this significant challenge. Maintaining one’s mental wellbeing during a pandemic is as important as containing the virus. Thankfully, there are there are various tools and resources that can help you learn to process these emotions with wisdom such as the following:
Don’t lose sight of a routine: Stick to healthy eating and sleeping habits such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly or staying reasonably physically active during your day as well as maintaining a healthy balance of nutritious foods (e.g., vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy protein).
Social connectedness: Make phone and video calls on a daily basis to others. Many years of psychological research has found that experiences of social isolation and social disconnection are a strong risk factor for poor mental health as well as physical health problems.
Antidotes to anxiety: A lot of anxiety is rooted in worrying about the unknown and waiting for something to happen, it is therefore helpful to limit the news and be careful what you read. Perhaps decide on a specific time to check in with the news. Practice conscious breathing by placing your hand on your heart to measure your heartbeat for a few minutes a day. Discharge your tension with some laughter by watching a funny video.
Focus on Positive thoughts: During these difficult times, it is quite easy to focus on the negatives and get stressed. Instead, try to distance the negative thoughts by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and list down things you are grateful for.
Creative Expression: Art is a representation of both conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings that we carry around and is an excellent way of expressing them. Try planning fun and relaxing activities involving arts and crafts which the whole family can participate in.
Relaxation: Set aside some quiet time for yourself in order to do something relaxing such as taking a long bath while listening to soothing music or curling up under a blanket with a good book. Practices such as yoga and meditation are also greatly beneficial to aid relaxation as well as remedy feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
This pandemic will eventually pass, and life will move on. Everything can and will change and there is always lots to be thankful for even in the midst if this crisis. If you still feel increasingly stressed and overwhelmed by the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, counselling is considered an essential service, so do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health service provider for assistance.
As a registered Wellness Counsellor, I am providing online counselling services to assist with Coping with Stress Related to the Coronavirus Outbreak with sessions at 50% off my usual rate. Please contact me should you have any further queries or should you wish to book an appointment on avishka.ramsaroop@outlook.com
“Maybe when all of this is over, we’ll meet each other anew. Stronger, wiser, more connected to ourselves, and better able to enjoy and appreciate the people and things that really matter” – Lori Deschene