The fact is that the Coronavirus pandemic has caught us off-guard. Nobody was prepared for what is now happening, and as a result, our TVs, social media, radios, and newspapers are flooded by various guidelines and precautions about the new virus.

Keeping distance between people is a proven way to “flatten the curve” and slow the pandemic. Besides practicing proven safety measures, taking care of mental hygiene, and protecting your mental health in this chaotic time is also vital as it makes your mind and body more resilient to stress. Fear, anxiety, and depression are all normal reactions to uncertainty and a different world than we have been accustomed to. Keeping your mental health in check during this turbulent time is vital.

Let’s explore how you can care for your well-being until the pandemic is contained.

Physical Distancing Doesn’t Mean Social Distancing

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Let’s be honest; social isolation can be hard to cope with. Human beings have a fundamental need for connection with other people. And when we are scared and under stress, we tend to seek each other out even more–it’s a biological response.

And that’s where naming a safety measure right is critical. The World Health Organization is urging the societies to replace the widely used”social distancing” term with a more appropriate one: “physical distancing.” Staying at home during the pandemic doesn’t mean breaking contact with your loved ones. Instead, this phrase is about keeping the physical distance to limit the spread of the virus.

The Ultimate Form of Self-Care: Exercising

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Mental health professionals and researchers have long been highlighting the positive effects of physical activity on overall well-being. Depending on the measures applied to reduce the spread of Coronavirus in a particular region or state, you can opt to go for walks or running, or turn to home workouts.

Studies show that running improves mental health by affecting the runner’s brain, especially the parts that have been negatively impacted by depression. It’s also a great outlet when you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Bear in mind that being outdoors and staying in nature have additional mental health benefits.

But if you are stranded in your place due to strict government safety measures, or self-isolation, you can still reap all the benefits exercise provides like mood boost and reduced stress. There are plenty of excellent tutorials online that will guide you through, and you don’t even need any special equipment.

Maintain Social Connections

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We are lucky to live in the digital era, where you can remain socially connected while being physically apart. Maintaining social connections has never been easier with technologies at hand. You can utilize social media, chats, and video calls. You can plan dinners with friends or family via FaceTime, binge on your favorite Netflix shows at the same time, and even organize online game nights with your beasties. Bear in mind that a phone call is better than text, while a video chat is better than the phone call.

Acknowledge & Communicate What You Feel

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Talking about your concerns and feelings is important. Acknowledging the emotions, especially the negative ones, is the first step towards better mental health. Accepting them as real is the second one. There isn’t a person in the world that is not affected by this need to adapt to the “new normal,” so experiencing fear and anxiety is perfectly normal.

Sharing what you feel without judgment is invaluable. It can help you realize you are not alone in this battle. Talk to your partner, your family, or your friends openly and honestly. There is no shame in feeling scared, insecure, or depressed.

Distract From the Negative Thoughts

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With the constant flow of Coronavirus news, and especially the death tolls and health systems barely coping with the outbreak, shifting the mental focus on something else can be challenging. There are some great things you can do in the comfort of your own home that will help you shift mentally and distract yourself from the negative thoughts and worries.

Since soil bacteria affect serotonin levels and help improve mood, gardening is advisable. If you live in an urban area, tending to your house plants is also beneficial.

Prioritize things that give you joy like reading a book or watching your favorite show. Try to include new activities, maybe the ones you’ve been planning to do for a while but haven’t had time. You can bake and cook more, and even learn some new recipes.

Be Present at the Moment

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Most importantly, stay present. Worrying about what could happen is counterproductive, and none of us can tell how things will develop in the future. Don’t exhaust yourself mentally with the worst-case scenarios and bad outcomes. Instead, think about what you can do to protect yourself and stay healthy. Concentrating on the future and especially on things that are out of your control can only lead to anxiety.

Also, limit your exposure to news and media, and make sure to get updates from reliable sources of information. Creating a daily routine that includes positive practices like meditation has the power to change our perspective. Regular meditation reduces stress levels without medications and helps you achieve serenity.

If Needed Reach Out to for Professional Help

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If you are feeling overwhelmed, even with regular self-care practices and can’t cope alone with the stress and anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals. Understandably, people feel afraid, worried, and anxious when the outbreak of the Coronavirus affects people’s lives on an international scale. Luckily, even in these challenging times, when we face a global threat, there are still ways to take good care of yourself by actively managing your well-being.

Remember: the Coronavirus outbreak isn’t going to last forever. This frightening pandemic will eventually end, and adopting self-care practices will help you deal with the current crises better.

What are your suggestions for self care during chaotic times?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

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“Shared at Homestead Blog Hop #282 “