Coping With The Impact Of Covid 19 is becoming increasingly difficult for many. The rate of change for society over the last few weeks is unprecedented.
So, it is completely understandable for us to be feeling overwhelmed. Our usual coping techniques have been learned to help us cope with normal stressors. The current level of social, lifestyle, health and financial changes is stretching many people and making it hard to cope.
Here are a few tips to help cope with COVID-19’s impact.
1. Keep Perspective.
Be realistic with your level of concern can help. If you follow the experts’ recommendations on distancing and staying home, unless required, that will go a long way towards keeping us all safe.
2. Stay calm.
Once you have done what you can to keep yourself safe, it isn’t productive to ruminate over fears of what could be. This is a good time to check yourself by asking what’s probable versus what is possible. Sometimes, we worry about things that won’t happen or are unlikely.
3. Embrace the situation.
Looking for the silver lining to help change your mindset. Appreciate things like extra time with your kids, partners or pets. I know some of you are enjoying wearing house slippers during your video meetings for work.
4. Be Creative.
Since you aren’t commuting to work, you could use that time to start a new hobby. If you want to learn guitar, start crocheting, painting, you may have some extra time to give it a whirl.
5. Be Patient.
Even if you are feeling a little grumpy one day, it doesn’t give you permission to be cross with others in the house. Your partner and pets are probably wanting to get out of the house (or for you to get out of the house) as well. To be more calm and patient pause, reflect and taking a few deep breaths before responding.
6. Seek Balance.
Work-life balance has new challenges for those who are starting to work from home. This becomes magnified if 2 people are working at home &/or homeschooling kids. Finding a space to designate as a workspace and also setting working hours for yourself may be a good start.
7. Stay active.
Being active and fit can improve our mood substantially. Take the time for a walk or try out some new yoga moves or even those body weight exercise routines you have been seeing on YouTube.
8. Stay connected.
Social isolation can take a toll even for those who are normally more introverted. Try organizing video chats with friends and family. There are some video platforms that allow for multiple users so you could even have a virtual house party.
9. Shop Local.
This is a time to feel good about supporting your local small businesses. Some companies are starting to cut wages, hours or plan redundancies for certain staff. However, for your local small business they rely on your patronage to stay in business. A bonus is there may be fewer people in the shop compared to one of the large chain stores.
10. Limit Negativity.
We all want to stay current on what is happening in the world. However, more is not always better. With today’s 24-hour news cycle it can be emotionally exhausting. The unfortunate thing is that the stories that get people to tune in may be negative or shocking. Consider limiting how long you watch news updates or maybe even taking a day off now and then.
I’m here to help as you are coping with the impact of Covid 19. If you would like to organise some video sessions, you can learn more about the details on my Telehealth page.
I recently did a radio interview on how to best get through this situation, check it out in the link below. Stay safe out there.
Coping with COVID-19 Interview