The Corona Virus pandemic has disrupted our daily lives, and we just can’t help but feel anxious and fearful not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones. While it is only right to follow the measures to prevent the spread of the virus, we should also keep in mind to take care of ourselves and our mental well-being, most especially in these unique, unprecedented times.

According to the World Health Organization, physical distancing, closure of schools and workplaces are indeed challenging for us, and it is “absolutely natural” for us to feel stressed. So what do we do to cope during these hard situations?  

6 Ways to Take Care of Yourself Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Keep Things in Perspective 

It is alarming to see the number of COVID-19 cases steadily growing day after day. Although this could make us feel more anxious, we need to remind ourselves that 80% of these people experience very mild symptoms. Also, medical experts all over the world are working to help patients recover and contain this virus. The best thing that we could do is to put things in perspective and take all precautionary measures to protect ourselves and our family from this illness.       

Create a New Routine 

Following a routine makes us feel more in control, and it is what we need now more than ever. Keeping a routine helps us to cope with change, maintains our stress levels low, and enables us to form healthy habits. Consider creating a routine that will prioritise your whole well-being, such as eating healthier meals, getting exercise, and catching up on sleep.  

Take Some “Me Time” 

The pandemic may have forced us to press the pause button on our normal daily lives, but it also gave us more time in our hands. If you’ve been putting off doing the things you want because you didn’t have the time, now is the perfect opportunity to do it.  

Take some “me time”— start a hobby like making crafts (or starting a garden, perhaps?), finishing a book, cooking new recipes, enjoying the fresh air and warm sun in your backyard. Play relaxing music and meditate while surrounded by lit candles. Allow yourself to be free from worrying about the uncertainties of the situation and take this time to spend it on yourself and with your loved ones.

Limit Social Media Use 

This worldwide crisis is stressful as it is and you don’t need to make yourself worry even more by constantly monitoring updates and stories about COVID-19 on social media. Consider limiting yourself to logging on social media a few times a day. Spend more time doing the things that you love or make moments with your kids and partner.  

You can also consider filtering your newsfeed and start only following reliable news sources, as well as groups that make you feel good (I would suggest this page – The Kindness Pandemic). Try to focus more on stories that are positive and inspiring despite what’s happening around you. 

Connect with Loved Ones 

Another way to put social media into good use is by connecting with your loved ones. Try to check up on your friends and relatives. Share your thoughts and see how you can also support them. Give them words of encouragement and pray for them. You may not know it, but they might also need someone to talk to. 

 Start a Journal 

Spend time writing about your day, what you’ve achieved, what thoughts are bothering you, and how you were able to overcome them. Express what you feel through writing; write even if it’s very little. This will help you release the stress that you are carrying. 

We live in a difficult situation, but you don’t have to put too much stress on yourself. As the old saying goes, “This too shall pass.”

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