The Light at The End of The Tunnel:Coping with Coronavirus
Change is the only constant thing in our life. But if that change becomes extremely uncertain, what do we do?
How soon is the end of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, what will be the way forward, and the most frequent thought is – what do we do right now? For many, this might have posed challenges like an absence of daily income and sufficient savings, a halt to their education, half-baked knowledge of the disease, an addition to their existing mental health issues, etc. While this might seem like the world has come to a stop, this could be the beginning of a meaningful future if we persevere together.
For instance, post The Black Death, the plague which spread from 1347 to 1351, the living conditions of the workers in that era enhanced, leading to improved resistance to the disease later on. In 1854, when London faced a cholera epidemic, as John Snow, a pioneering epidemiologist, discovered the impact of drinking water on the disease, the government invested in water and sanitation. Although these are macro-level changes thanks to previous pandemics, the coronavirus spread also gives us an opportunity to make a difference in our individual capacities, which might result in greater outcomes.
A community that cares:
Meeting your friends over coffee, pursuing your hobbies by attending outdoor sessions, or hitting the gym to clear your mind. Something as simple as these might have been your coping mechanisms before the coronavirus outbreak. Even in the face of social distancing today, you can practice certain activities to stay connected with your community and build a better one. Many therapists have begun complimentary sessions for those who need an outlet for their emotions. For those who wish to dance at home, popular dancers are conducting live sessions. In Spain, a fitness instructor conducts workout sessions from his rooftop for fitness enthusiasts. There are instances worldwide where people have offered to help those who cannot step out to buy essential items. These simple acts lay the foundation for a caring community. What can be better than this when the virtue of humanity is on a decline?
A change in perspective:
The concepts of remote working, virtual connectivity and self-care are on the rise like never before. With most of the companies conducting business seamlessly in spite of employees working from home, an undeniable conclusion is formed – if we make the most of the advanced technology, we can alter the way we approach work currently, which might allow more time for ourselves, thereby resulting into a well-maintained work-life balance. With ample of time due to the exclusion of daily travel, people now have opportunities to connect with their long-lost friends! Such instances might act as reminders and encourage you to continue doing them even after the lockdown period. Most importantly, this is a beautiful time for self- introspection. Those habits you wished to change or form and personal projects which always got pushed. This is a time you can revisit this list and come out of the lockdown with a new list!
A newfound appreciation for life:
When things you thought were important, suddenly start losing their value, you realise the true value of the ones you might have ignored. From the time you were asked to stay home, you knew you are blessed if you have a safe home to spend the lockdown unlike those who are forced to stay in inadequate conditions. While you carry out this simple task, our healthcare providers are risking their lives to save us. People who provide essential services are willingly stepping out so that we lead a life somewhere close to normalcy. Apart from this, you start observing the people around you, your family and experience little joys of life, which often get dismissed in our daily hustle. Maybe this pandemic will reinstil the values of gratitude and appreciation among people and make them common even after we bid farewell to the virus.
For these probabilities to become realities, we first need to eliminate the fear and anxiety emerging from the uncertainty of the current times. If you find yourself having constant negative thoughts, remind yourself that the effects of coronavirus are mild and coronavirus treatment is nothing extraordinary. If you do not know whether you will be able to cope with it, practice coronavirus precautions mentioned by credible sources and believe that you have the ability to fight it.
Here are other few things which might help you to cope with coronavirus:
• Limit your exposure to news, social media platforms and conversations about coronavirus because an overload of coronavirus update might trigger your anxiety.
• Practice yoga, breathing exercises, guided meditations, to soothe your nervous system.
• Establish new routines for yourself and conserve your energy to achieve bigger goals in the upcoming months.
• Utilise this time for increased self-care by eating right, sleeping well and finding ways to connect with yourself.
• Ensure that your family and your immediate neighbours are facing no issues and offer help whenever possible.
• Acknowledge each other’s anxiety and do not judge anyone. What is important to them, might not be important to you.
• Tackle your emotions; do not resort to increased consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
• Be in constant touch with your therapist or start seeking for help if you think you are unable to handle the stress by yourself.
• If you are a parent, be careful of your actions because they might influence your children.
