Practical coping tips for stress caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Here is some clear, simple and easy advice for coping with anxiety and stress caused by Coronavirus.
Instead of worrying, which drains the energy in your body, be proactive in sustaining your health and building your immune system. This will protect you from the virus. Drink plenty of warm water. Eat fruits and vegetables. Cut down on sugar which depletes the immune system. Get fresh air and exercise. Do breathing exercises and meditation which strengthen your resilience.
Often fuelled by helplessness and a sense of lack of control. A buying spree is one way of feeling in control on a micro level, in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. Follow public health advice; if you are healthy, it is advised that you will recover in 2-3 weeks so just need to ensure you have enough supplies for this time. For those in a vulnerable group (e.g. the elderly or people with underlying conditions) ensure you have enough support and someone can replenish your supplies. There is also online shopping to consider if you are unable to get out.
Open up and reach out. Ask for support. In situations like this, community spirit often kicks in. See point 6, on how to develop a support network.
Again be proactive, instead of worrying. Ask your manager for guidance and support. If you are self-employed, reflect on where you can cut down outgoings, diversify or work with other businesses. Be creative in how you use your resources. Seek information about benefits and subsidies.
The source of anxiety is rooted in fear. Instead of the fear building up inside you, write it out. e.g I am fearful because……. This will diffuse it out of your body and make you feel lighter and help to put everything in perspective.
It is not a sign of weakness, but the strength to reach out and ask for support. Make a list of everyone you know, friends, family, colleagues, neighbours etc. Now tick 9 people from this list, who can provide practical, psychological and moral support. Connect with them and sustain this support circle.
In summary, be proactive and build your resilience, connect with your support network and keep the information you may need handy, instead of doing nothing and worrying about it.
If you have difficulty with any of the above then get professional help from a counsellor (bacp.co.uk), who will help you to find a manageable perspective and explore options for coping and support.
Hansa Pankhania is an Author (who has written a series of ‘Stress to Success’ books), a counsellor and Speaker. She is the founder of AUM Wellbeing Consultancy which specialise in Individual and Corporate Wellbeing Programmes.
At present, she is in the process of publishing Books on helping children to cope with stress and anxiety.
