Months after the novel coronavirus was declared a global pandemic, communities worldwide are still struggling to adjust. Millions of people contracted the virus, with many losing their lives in the process. Many regions are still on lockdown; non-essential businesses are temporarily closed, unemployment rates are at a record high, and any hopes of a cure is months away. Not to mention the civil unrest, natural disasters, and impending war reports only add to the madness and chaos.
Psychological Consequences of Uncertain Times
These sudden changes to everyday life and the emotional overwhelm that comes with it has alarmed medical experts like the World Health Organization (WHO). The group fears that the psychological impact of life during a pandemic will result in a rise in mental health problems. When you consider factors like the fear of contracting the virus, the grief of losing a loved one, the stress of trying to provide for your family, trying to find work, with children being out of school, and the loneliness derived from isolation can be devastating.
People may be more likely to experience these feelings during a crisis like a pandemic. However, there are ways to protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Some groups may be more vulnerable than others to the psychosocial effects of pandemics. People who contract the disease, those at heightened risk for it (including the elderly, people with compromised immune function, pre-existing medical, psychiatric, or substance use problems are at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes.
It’s easy to come to the same conclusion.
What You Can Do
There’s no denying that the novel coronavirus pandemic has placed a lot of undue stress and anxiety on the average person. Though your body has the means to combat stress, there’s only so much you can handle before you shut down. Essentially, you must learn how to keep your mental health intact despite what’s going on in the world.
Take a natural supplement sleep aid, this will help relieve stress and anxiety.
If you’ve been feeling stressed, burned out, anxious, or depressed since the start of the pandemic, here are some things you can do to weather the storm.
While it may feel selfish, helpless, or not important enough, now is the time to take care of yourself. This not only improve circulation to bring fresh blood and oxygen to your brain but offer your mind a much-needed break. Doing yoga, stretching relieves stress, as well as meditation. Try to find an exercise routine or activity you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, rock climbing, or yoga.
Protect Yourself
One of the biggest fears the average person has during a pandemic is catching the disease, spreading it to others, and potentially losing their life. Though nothing is foolproof (yet), going the extra mile to protect yourself eases your anxiety. Symptoms of the virus are cough, shortness of breath, fever.
Limit your exposure by reducing the number of trips you take out of the house, steering clear of large indoor gatherings, wearing PPE, and social distancing. Wearing a good mask, make sure to keep it clean.
Get Your Finances in Order
The number of people coping with financial stress has skyrocketed since the start of the health crisis. The fear of losing their job and not providing a living has resulted in sleepless nights, relationship trauma, and reckless behavior (abusing substances, driving under the influence, stealing, gambling, etc.).
Write down ways you and your family can reduce expenses or manage your money more efficiently. Then commit to a plan and review it regularly. Although this can be anxiety-provoking in the short term, writing a plan and sticking to it can reduce stress.
Getting a handle on your finances will lift your spirits. Assess your income and expenses and create a realistic budget, look for ways to save or eliminate monthly costs, By writing down ways you and your family can reduce expenses or manage your money more efficiently. Then commit to a plan and review it regularly. Although this can be anxiety-provoking in the short term, writing a plan and sticking to it can reduce stress and reduce your financial worries.
contact creditors and service providers to get debt under control. As for job security, start looking for employment as an essential worker. You can also look into ways to start a business, work from home jobs is a great way to supplement the lost income, or side hustle to bring in extra cash.
Invest in Wellness Products
Some people have found that despite their best efforts to eat better and exercise, they still feel overwhelmed by current times. A big part of maintaining your mental health during the pandemic will be learning how to soothe stress and anxiety. Because stress affects your immune system negatively.
Several health and wellness products on the market can provide physical and emotional relief. You can take CBD supplements, light aromatherapy candles, essential oil diffuser, look into YNM weighted blankets for couples, or purchase handheld massage devices. Acupressure mats work similarly to acupuncture and is an affordable solution.
Find Ways to Enjoy Life
The worst thing you can do is allow yourself to become so consumed with the world’s current state that you’re not enjoying life. Though it may seem complicated, you must find ways to do things that bring you peace and happiness. Spend time with your kids at home, even an adult coloring book is inexpensive and once you start you will see just how relaxing, or even coloring with your children. Host a small outdoor gathering with relatives, schedule a virtual lunch with your friends, get outside in nature for a walk, or invest in a hobby, learn to play an instrument, listen to your favorite music, or personal interest.
It appears that the novel coronavirus is the gift that keeps on giving. The list of troubles continues to rise from widespread sickness and death to an economic crisis and food shortages. While there’s nothing you can do to solve all that’s going on single-handedly, you can take steps towards improving your mental health as you weather the storm.