How to Remain Calm and Stress-Free During COVID-19 Outbreak?

Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, especially if you’re already living with an anxiety disorder. But you’re not powerless. These tips can help you get through this stressful time.

Be Informed

Check sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to understand the symptoms, scope, risks, and safety precautions for the disease, as well as what is being done to help prevent it from spreading. Know the difference between Flu systems and COVID-19.

Watch for Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

·         Fever

·         Cough

·         Shortness of breath

Prepare, don’t panic.

From the news to social media, a lot of information is circulating about the coronavirus. Some are true, but much of it may be misinformed or only partly correct, especially as information rapidly changes.

Knowledge and preparation can help reduce feelings of anxiety and panic.

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus by staying home
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
•  Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
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• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Practice Mindfulness

One way to lessen worry is to ground yourself in the present moment through mindfulness. Mindfulness is a great technique that can help reduce stress during challenging times.

The technique is simple yet effective: Bring your attention to your breath and your body. Focus all of your attention on the here and now: noticing sights, sounds, and smells around you and what you’re feeling in your body. Continue to breathe slowly in and out—gently bringing your mind back to your body and breath every time it drifts—until you feel calmer.

Another way to manage stress is by limiting computer screen time and media exposure. Limit how often you check for updates. Constant monitoring of news and social media feeds can quickly turn compulsive and counterproductive—fueling anxiety rather than easing it. The limit is different for everyone, so pay attention to how you’re feeling and adjust accordingly.

Take care of yourself spiritually and physically.

Take care of your body — Eat healthily, get plenty of sleep, and exercise daily. That could include conducting indoor workout classes, stretching, and practicing meditation. Staying active will help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. While the gym and group classes are out, you can still cycle, hike, or walk. Or if you’re stuck at home, look online for exercise videos you can follow. There are many things you can do, even without equipment, such as yoga and exercises that use your own body weight.

Create a routine — Change out of your pajamas, shower, and make a to-do of all the things you want to achieve each day to create a sense of normality and productivity.

Break up your day — Find tasks to break up your day and, where possible, change your environment for different activities.

Positive Self Talk—Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus.

Stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing, or telephone.

Avoid self-medicating. Be careful that you’re not using alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression. If you tend to overdo it in the best of times, it may be a good idea to avoid it for now.

Consider Teletherapy

Many therapists and psychiatrists are rapidly shifting to providing sessions only via teleconferencing for the indefinite future due to coronavirus concerns.

First off, what exactlyis Teletherapy? Teletherapy is providing therapy through a live video connection over the internet. You’re provided the same treatment as you would in person, it’s just done through a computer! If you’ve ever used Skype on your computer or FaceTime on your iPhone, you’ve used the same type of technology as teletherapy uses only on a HIAPP compliant platform.

At Lighthouse Mental Health Counseling Services, we are committed to our clients well being during this epidemic, and we are continuing to provide our clients with access to care with our Telehealth Services. We encourage people to seek help and or continue to see their therapist. If you have any questions or concerns about our services, please feel to contact us at contact@lighthousecounselingny.com.

Blog resource: https://www.lighthousecounselingny.com/how-to-remain-calm-and-stress-free-during-covid-19-outbreak/