“COVID-19”

Two years ago, many would have laughed off the threat of a global pandemic. No one had even heard an utterance of this virus and life was normal for many. Now that this pandemic is a reality, many still don’t believe that it’s happening. People are still venturing out in the open. Whether it’s a trip to the mall, the ice-cream shops, or even an overcrowded beach, people have disregarded public health and we need to be proactive and take some precautions to avoid catching the virus. A big factor that plays in people’s irrational judgment is the sheer stress they are dealing with. Here are a few tips to manage stress and keep oneself from going insane.

Managing Stress during COVID-19

Whether we like it or not, stress is a part of our life. It’s important to understand that different people react to stress in different ways. How you react to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic relies upon your experience, your social circle, the community you live in, the support system you have in place in times of hardship, and numerous other elements.

Here are some tips on how to deal with stress and anxiety during these unique and uncertain times.

Have Virtual Hangout Sessions.

We are very fortunate to live in a time where the internet is very prominent and is available to many throughout the world. Video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, and many others are a great tool to talk to your friends and extended family. Take this time to catch-up with your loved ones, relatives, or your friends who might be miles away.

On the off chance that you don’t prefer meeting up with people virtually, becoming pen pals with people can help reduce stress and help you look forward to something new.

Find Time for Yourself

“Me” time is important for everyone. Even our parents take days off work just for themselves. It’s understandable. we aren’t superman after all! Or, are we? Make sure to find some time every day where you can do the things that you like. Activities can range from simply winding down and binge-watching your favorite show, playing your favorite game, reading a book, to spending time on self-improvement: working on a skill such as cooking, art, or even singing. This helps you as an individual to focus on yourself and gives time for self-reflection. You learn more about yourself and your capabilities – a sense of pride and satisfaction emerges.

Go Outside/Exercise

Even though many of us are stuck at home, finding time to go outside and/or workout is very important for mental and physical health. Everyone can benefit from some form of physical activity, whether you run a 5k or walk a simple mile. Your whole family can benefit from going outside!

Limit time on Social Media

Although social media seems like a stress release for many of us, the opposite is true. Studies have shown that social media causes unnecessary stress and anxiety for many. Putting a cap on social media is also beneficial since “Exposure to the news of COVID-19 can cause fear, worry, and stress, which can lead to irritability or acting out, unhealthy eating and sleep habits, excessive sadness, and difficulty with attention and concentration.”(https://uichildrens.org/)

Social Distancing + School/Work = Unexpected amounts of stress and anxiety.

Stress will always be a large elephant in our life that we constantly have to address. Fortunately, there are many ways to cope with this elephant and tame it to become our best friend. With activities such as virtual hangout sessions, giving time to yourself, and limiting exposure of the negativity in media we can all get through this interesting time very quickly. Although the COVID-19 Pandemic is not showing signs of ending any time soon, we can always adapt to this situation and make the most out of it.

Here are some insightful tips to protect yourself and those around you.

Masks

Even after continuous warnings and advertisements, people still don’t wear masks. Wearing a simple surgical or N-95 mask can prevent this deadly virus from hurting you and can save countless other lives.

Although it is imperative for many to report for work, or get groceries, it is very important to protect yourself with gloves, masks, and sanitizing wipes.

Anti-maskers argue that CO2 levels build up after wearing a mask for extended amounts of time, this claim has been repeatedly debunked from experts and researches from renowned institutes such as Stanford and government agencies such as the CDC. A proper mask will provide sufficient ventilation and oxygen supply. The CDC recommends a surgical or procedural mask for anyone in a public space.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is by far the best and easiest way to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. The CDC recommends staying 6 feet away from everyone at all times. COVID-19 spreads among individuals who are in close contact with someone infected for a prolonged time.

Spread happens when infected individual sneezes, wheezes, or talks, and respiratory droplets from their mouth or nose are propelled into the air and land on others around them. The droplets can potentially travel into the lungs.

Since many individuals don’t show symptoms for over 7 days, they resume their everyday life and continue the transmission of COVID-19. This is why social distancing is important.

Quarantine

If you think you have been in contact with COVID-19 in any way, such as person-to-person interaction, by mail, or other potential exposure, make sure to isolate yourself for at least 14 days.