As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, an emotional pandemic is following fast in its wake.
It’s quite impossible to go on about your daily routine without hearing the word “coronavirus”. Everyone right now is talking about how the pandemic is destroying global economies, taking the lives of the young and elderly, and how life as we know it will never be the same again. But for thousands, probably millions of people, the virus and the threat of the virus and the lockdown we are all going through is challenging their mental health. People who are already suffering from anxiety, depression, and touch deprivation, are finding it especially hard to ward off the anxiety associated with the pandemic. While it’s still a little too early to assess the mental effects of the coronavirus on people around the world, it’s not hard to see that stress, anxiety, and worry are quite high. Worry not, though. While we do lack control over the spread of the disease, fortunately enough, there actually is something we can do to manage our mental health during the lockdown.
Tea-stress: Some herbal teas are known to relieve stress and anxiety, like Peppermint tea, and Chamomile tea. Studies claim that the simple act of preparing a pot of tea by heating water, measuring leaves, and steeping tea, can be a nice break in a rather chaotic day. Whether you brew a pot each morning and take some time to focus on yourself at the beginning of the day, or prepare a soothing cup to relax and unwind before bed, just the act of preparing and drinking tea can be a source of calm and relaxation.
Media control: Restrict your access to news and social media but stay informed through reliable news sources and don’t spend more than 30 minutes a day reading the latest updates. Educate yourself about what’s happening in your community but if the news is overwhelming you, limit your exposure to it.
Connect: Stay connected with friends and family through video conferencing apps and social media channels while continuing to practice social distancing. Isolation and loneliness can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and even impact our physical health, that’s why we need to maintain a connection with our loved ones, even if it’s not physical.
Take care of yourself: There is no better time to practice self-care than now. Take care of your body, eat healthily, get adequate rest, meditate, and maintain a daily routine that puts well-being first.
Seek help: Talking to a mental health professional can help you pinpoint what it is that’s keeping you up at night. By seeking therapy, you will be able to work through the things that you can’t control and accept and change those you can.
Anxiety and stress disorders take many forms and affect many people. You are not alone. Hopefully, the tips we’ve provided will help you cope more successfully with what we’re all facing together in these unprecedented times.