In a time of fear, uncertainty, sickness and quarantine it is understandable that most of us are on edge. Increased anxiety, stress, and tension are bound to surface in varying degrees for all of us in every aspect of life. A large part of the stress is all of the unknown.
Beyond-our-control situations such as a global pandemic has been referred to as a collective crisis. How do we cope with such a crisis? Not worrying is easier said than done.
Here are some recommendations that have been getting a lot of positive feedback:
Social Media
We want to stay connected in times of illness and isolation, but studies are showing the fear and anxiety is also increasing due to people panic posting on-line. Protect yourself from added stressors and filter what you’re seeing. Yes, it’s important to keep up with what’s happening, but limit what is not value-added from your virtual connections.
Healthy Eating & Exercise
Caring for our bodies is more important now than ever. We have yet another good reason to eat well and exercise to optimize our health. Work on your health from the inside out and eat well and keep active as much as possible. Studies show that these healthy choices will also promote a better sleep.
Personal stress-relievers
This is the time to remember what helps you in difficult times. No more gym? Download an app or checkout other home workouts online. Another one is get out for a walk and get some fresh air. No social interaction? Call a friend or family member and stay connected. Above all else, take on some healthy activities to promote a healthy frame of mind.
“Vitamin C”
Take this opportunity to be kind to yourself and to others. One psychologist mentioned If there’s a silver lining to this pandemic it lies in the opportunity it creates to collectively reaffirm the central value of ‘Social Vitamin C’. (In addition to actual Vitamin C to boost our immune systems)…this is talking about Courtesy, Consideration, Care, Community, and Compassion.
Let’s put an extra effort forward to ‘shine and not shout.’ Acts of kindness help to limit as much tension as possible and is one of the few things that is within our control right now.
One-day-at-a-time
As updates continue to be thrown at us daily (and even hourly), let’s just take on today, and get through today. Yes, we have to be proactive for some things, but for our mental health and well-being, let’s just focus on getting through today. As new information becomes available to us (and most of it is beyond our control), we need to be more flexible and open to change and accept that our plans and schedules are going to be disrupted.
In conclusion, let’s look after ourselves so we can help look after others. Remember that we are all experiencing stress from this pandemic, and whether we are sick or not, we are all experiencing mental stress. Be kind to one another.
We will continue to post updates on the pandemic and on how to cope. https://www.culturedhr.com/pandemic-preparedness
Be well.
For more information, contact us at culturedhr.com
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