This version of the coronavirus has hit us all very hard, and has caused a great impact on the global economy, political situation and your social interactions. Many are now forced to self-isolate in order to stop the possible spread of the virus. Some have prepared themselves by buying everything they possibly can from the supermarket, driven by that raw, basic ‘worst-case-scenario’ survival instinct.
Panic and fear are the two best friends of a pandemic. People start preparing chaotically for the unknown which they fear. This fear and worry affects so many aspects of daily life: from personal hygiene to social behaviour, as well as to mental stability. The truth is this virus has caused a mass panic attack, and has affected everyone’s peace of mind giving us another thing to worry about. Keep Fit Kingdom stands for health and happiness, so we decided it was important to share some examples of what you can do to take best care of your mental and physical health and reduce the impact of the current stressful situation. Read on for Coronavirus: 5 Ways to Keep Calm during this Global Pandemic.
1. Don’t Panic!
Try not to focus on worrying thoughts that are rushing through your mind. Cook yourself some nice meals, have a face mask, declutter your house or watch your favourite movie.Focusing on some other pleasant work or hobbies and getting stuff done is a marvellous way to stay constructive and not waste your valuable emotional energy. So, do whatever you know makes your head clear.
2. Try and Reduce Your Contact with the News & Information about the Virus
Everyone absolutely must keep up with the news and the changes around the Covid-19 situation. So, I advise to rather reduce the frequency of checking for every little update every hour.
Possibly, check once or twice a day, and only from trustworthy sources. Do not believe in everything that you read and hear on the internet, including and especially if it comes from social media. Filter the information well, and look for what is relevant to you personally.
Feel free to check out these credible sources which link directly to the latest on COVID-19:
NHS
Harvard Medical School
World Health Organization
3. Call Someone. Speak Up and Share How You’re Feeling
If you struggle with anxiety and worry, then do not hesitate to call, face-time or Skype a friend and tell them how you feel. People need each other at this time, to at least communicate via phone especially as it’s unwise to physically meet right now.
Processing your emotions via discussion and dialogue is an effective therapy. You will hear opinions on the situation and not feel alone, those views will probably deflect and calm your worries when you see that everyone’s pretty much going through the same thing as you are.
Maintain your social connections, even if you are self-isolating. Make full use of the internet and wireless interactions, and be extra grateful to live in this day and age!
4. Sleep and Rest Well to Keep Your Immune System and Mental Health Strong
The quantity of antidepressants sold has doubled since the start of the coronavirus alarm in many countries, which only confirms the extent to which our emotional well-being has taken a dive. No doubt that all of us are experiencing anxiety towards the changes that this pandemic has already brought with it.
What we need to remember however, is that sleep underpins our immune system and keeps our mental health strong. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and aim for quality sleep. It is a good practice to limit technology in the night hours, take a hot shower and either read an inspirational book or meditate before bed to improve sleep quality.
5. Engage in more Meditation, Yoga, Journaling, Self-care & Get Offline
All self-care techniques are valid in these circumstances. Taking care of your mental health is highly desirable for a healthy body. We put a short, no-equipment home workout together so that you can move your body, even with limited space, particularly helpful if your gym access is restricted or closed right now.
Keep up all your current routines, and maybe start some new ones. Prioritize taking care of yourself and take some time to check in with what your thought contents are and what they’re are doing, (in your personal kingdom) a bit more frequently than usual.
This is a virus. It is the fifth coronavirus to date. They happen. It will pass. For now: stay calm, take care of your mental health and physical health, pay attention to personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently. If you are in quarantine and staying at home right now, you should still keep active. Movement helps support the immune system, increase blood flow and maintain your mental health through hormone release and improved blood supply to the brain.
