The corona virus anxiety is real; during this unpredictable time, we need to stay in an optimistic emotional state of mind. Here are some ways people are caring for one another while staying safe as families, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Practice random acts of kindness
Your kindness doesn’t require a monetary value, send an inspirational email or social media message to friends, family and colleagues.
Share positive news . . .
and acts of kindness on social media, this can prevent us from getting caught in a bad news hopelessness spiral.
Exercise
Exercise regularly, get some fresh air, eat a well-balanced diet, get sufficient sleep and make time for self-care.
Boost your immune system
And keep your body functioning optimally; this will help you feel good. When you feel good, strong and healthy, you’ll find you’re better able to cope with whatever is taking place around you.
The elderly
Check on elderly neighbours, although necessary, social isolation can be lonely. Text, phone call or email them especially if they live alone.
Watch a funny video
Thanks to social media there are thousands of videos online that can help you take your mind off current events when you feel gloomy, if only for three minutes at a time.
Misinformation
Fight misinformation online, unfortunately misinformation on COVID-19 is floating around online. If you see it, report it and let anyone posting or sharing know (via private message or commenting on the post). Get your information from trusted sources like the World Health Organisation.
News
Take control of the type and amount of news you consume, allow yourself to watch or read the news once or twice a day at the most. Give your brain time to rest and avoid overthinking what you have watched or read. Watch other shows besides the news.
Look after yourself . . .
to look after us all, if we all do our best to stop the spread, we can flatten the curve! Use simple social distancing tactics like replacing hugs and handshakes with alternatives such as a wave or nod of the head.
Anxiety
Try not to worry, needless worrying is a waste of energy; it causes anxiety, and anxiety is not good for the immune system. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not in this alone, we are dealing with this as a community, as a country and as one world. Draw strength from your loved ones, and in turn, try to be strong and stay positive for them. There is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
Reflection
Take a daily inventory. Close your day, every day, with a positive acknowledgement of something you accomplished, learned or are grateful for. It will help dilute some of the negativity you’ve absorbed through the day.
Improve yourself
Use this time to improve your skills, there are hundreds of online courses from top universities and specialist organisations where you can learn. Take advantage of technology by searching for these courses and earn valuable credentials.
Attitude of gratitude
Practice living with an attitude of gratitude; be grateful for everything in life, there is nothing too small to be grateful for even it’s the weather. Share feelings of gratitude by expressing gratitude to those you care about; not only will this make their day a little brighter, it will do wonders for your happiness too.
Discipline
Remain disciplined if you are working from home. Keep on track and stay focused by defining your specific workspace and having a workday schedule that you stick to. To avoid burnout, plan and take breaks throughout the day; this includes taking care of yourself by doing something you enjoy.