Firstly the news is not your friend, it relies on fear to keep us hooked.
Fear requires two elements:-
a perceived threat
and a sense of powerlessness to defeat that threat.
Relying on “Dr Google”, the news and Facebook etc, can consume one with anxious thoughts, instead arm yourself with quality information from reputable health sources.
- http://www.cdc.gov/
- http://www.who.int/en/
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/
- https://scholar.google.com/
Channel your anxiety into action: get informed, plan, and prepare. Focus on the present taking each day step by step. Be aware of negative thoughts and don’t give them any power. Thoughts are thoughts, not necessarily facts.
Look after your body, it will help protect your mental health and immune system. Now would be an excellent time to quit smoking, excessive alcohol and drugs, doing this is proven to reduce your long term stress levels and improve your quality of health.
Take up a hobby (or more than one). Many museums, galleries and zoos have virtual tours, why not visit somewhere new without all the inconvenience of the expense, travel and crowds.
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/free-virtual-tours/
Being physically isolated doesn’t have to mean that we’re cut off socially, connect to people you trust is one of the best ways to reduce negative psychological effects from isolation.
Phone calls, email, text or instant messaging, social media, hobby chat rooms, Video chatting – you can ‘meet’ with friends or ‘catch up for coffee’ (https://zoom.us/meetings) is a great free platform for this
Join a virtual book club.
- https://bookriot.com/best-online-book-clubs-2020/
- https://time.com/5809322/social-distancing-book-clubs/
Playing a game online with friends.
- https://parade.com/1012420/nicolepajer/best-online-games/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g32073897/best-apps-to-play-with-friends/
Maintain a journaling practice. Journaling is a safe place where you can vent about your fears and frustrations. A few excellent resources if you feel stuck for ideas, or just looking for a place to start.
- https://www.developgoodhabits.com/what-write-journal/
- https://psychcentral.com/blog/30-journaling-prompts-for-self-reflection-and-self-discovery/
Help other people, be kind, and compassionate: when we help others, it helps us feel better.
If you’re feeling like you’re not coping, get professional advice, it’s ok to ask for help.
The real tragedy would be if we come through this pandemic without changing for the better. It would be as if all those deaths, all that suffering, would mean nothing. You are going to spend that time anyway, its your choice what you do with that time.
