Nowadays, all of us, due to the coronavirus, find ourselves in a situation that is not easy and unusual for us. On the one hand, we try to act rationally and so approach the matter. On the other hand, most of us may experience anxiety to a greater or lesser degree. How to deal with coronavirus anxiety? What are the ways to manage anxiety?
We feel anxiety caused by coronavirus, but also by all the surroundings associated with it. Tension can be triggered, for example, by alarming reports from Italy as to the scale of the problem, the need to limit going out of the house, avoiding meetings in larger groups, closing restaurants, cinemas or restricting trade related to the epidemic emergency declared in Poland.
Of course, what is happening can cause anxiety, but with the help of our mind we are able to control it, and what’s more, even find at least a few positive aspects of staying at home. How to deal with anxiety?
What is coronavirus?
SARS-CoV-19 is a virus belonging to the coronavirus family, which is found in animals causing various diseases. A new coronavirus has emerged in China and causes COVID-19 disease, the symptoms of which include fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. It can take a varied course, even asymptomatic and sometimes its symptoms can resemble the common cold.
Keep in mind that when anxiety sets in, try to rationalize that in 80 percent of sufferers, no treatment is required, and the most severe cases of sufferers are usually those with comorbidities. The virus is not yet well understood, which is why it can cause anxiety and tension.
Pandemic what are we afraid of?
It is natural that in the face of a pandemic we fear many things. First and foremost, we fear for our lives and those of our loved ones. However, let’s try to approach the problem rationally, excluding emotions.
First of all, according to the data, SARS-CoV-2 virus infection has a mild course in most of those infected. More severe cases of the disease affect older people with comorbidities. So there is a high probability that if we are middle-aged people and become infected, the infection should not, in most of us, be life-threatening.
Moreover, we are also concerned that over time we may run out of medicine or food products. Hence, some of us have made provisions. Paradoxically, it was for this very reason that the shelves of, for example, rice were shining empty. However, supplies have not been halted, and products are in abundance. Awareness of the continuity of trade is one of the guarantors of our peace of mind.
Read: COVID-19 is a thing of the past? World Health Organization experts have decided.
How do we react to the coronavirus pandemic?
Each of us is different, so we react in different ways. Among the proceedings of society, however, we can distinguish, among others, two extreme types.
The first is those who seem not to notice the threat and live without any restrictions as before. This is a rather dangerous attitude, if only because of the way SARS-CoV-2 spreads.
The second attitude is to lock themselves inside the house, usually after making provisions and being afraid to even open a window. The second attitude, of course, is also not correct, as it is necessary to go out for walks or ventilate the apartment. What’s more, those constantly sitting at home will also have to go out at some point, if only to replenish their supplies.
The best course of action is to act in accordance with the advice of specialists, thus keeping to the golden mean.
So let’s go out for a walk, oxygenate ourselves, enjoy the coming spring, but be careful. Let’s remember to avoid large gatherings of people or playgrounds, maybe it’s a good idea to just go out on the balcony or work in the garden, if you have the opportunity. Let’s not forget to wash our hands thoroughly (at least 30 seconds) after returning from a walk. Let’s try to think positively, that this is a difficult time, but a time that can be used effectively, and the pandemic will eventually pass. Positive thinking will have a salutary effect on our emotional and physical state. Let’s not forget that.
Children and coronavirus – the psychological aspect
Sometimes we are not even aware of how the current situation is understood by our children. Let us remember that we should not pretend that nothing is happening. However, let’s adapt our message to the age of the child and explain to them first of all what viruses are and how to protect themselves from them.
It is also worth telling toddlers that fortunately for them, even if they get sick, the infection may be asymptomatic or run like a common cold. Let’s give the child a sense of security , assuring them of our support, and direct their attention to proper hygiene, prevention of infection.
Let’s also limit listening to mass media in front of children, who may misunderstand certain information. Let’s remember that we, as parents, should also refrain from expressing excessive fear. Let’s talk about the threat, but in a constructive way.
Coronavirus how to lower stress
Stress is the body’s reaction to a difficult situation. We have two courses of action to choose from. The first is to focus on the emotion, and the second is to focus on the problem. It is important to choose the latter. This is because it ensures effective coping with difficulties. Then we focus not on how we feel, but on how to solve the problem.
In order to reduce stress in the face of an epidemic, we should keep the following aspects in mind:
- let’s not constantly think about the possible threat
- let’s not avoid going for walks, but let’s be careful during them, go where there are no people, avoid playgrounds
- let’s remember about movement, physical exercise
- use relaxation training (e.g. Jacobson – tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups)
- use visualization
- focus on daily activities
- don’t watch TV all day long
- don’t be afraid to admit your anxiety
- eat regularly
- do something that gives you pleasure
- find a new hobby
- let’s take care of our hygiene
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