As coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to infect more people worldwide, it has also increased the cases of stress and anxiety caused by a coronavirus. People are so scared of going to public places and if someone sneezes near to them, it gives them a little panic attack.
Considering the fast and uncontrollable spread of coronavirus, it is justified that people are under stress. Psychologist finds the occurrence of stress and anxiety in response to any threat as a “ normal human reaction”. But this added stress is extremely harmful to people who are already at risk of certain diseases i.e. heart patients, blood pressure patients, stress and anxiety patients, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
Here are a few suggestions for people, written as per psychological science to deal with the coronavirus related stress and anxiety.
Work on your tolerance
It is a proven scientific fact that the US is going through a rapid increase in intolerance., which makes it difficult for people to cope up with stress. A study based on the H1N1 pandemic of 2009 shows that it was extremely hard for the people to accept the uncertainty of this pandemic situation and as a result that they experience anxiety.
The solution to this problem is by changing the behavior towards small things in routine. Building the patience level is something that not only helps to overcome the anxiety of coronavirus but helps a person to tackle all uncertain situations in life.
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Resist the stress
Although it might not be the first thing that a stressed person would like to hear it is necessary to keep up the struggle in all forms. Distract yourself and involve in various activities that would keep you busy. Watch Netflix, read a book, write something, experiment with cooking, play with your pets, or anything that you like. Engaging yourself in an activity that you like is much likely to reduce the tress and pressure created by anything including the coronavirus outbreak.
Focus on good things in life
One way to overcome the coronavirus related stress is by connecting to the goodness in life and finding meaning in it. Be it relationships, spirituality or anything, focus on what makes you happy and how you have given years to something. It would help you to feel important and life would suddenly look worth it.
Do not overestimate any situation
It is understandable if someone is fearing what to do if coronavirus shows up in his town. Ending up at quarantine for days doesn’t seem like a very good idea but human minds typically estimate the worst situation out of everything. There is plenty of research that explains people’s behavior as they overestimate their conditions in event of any negative thing. Also, they underestimate their own responses that how would they adjust to any difficult situation. But mind it that you are way more resilient than you consider yourself, do not let the anxiety of it shaken you.
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Follow a self-care plan
In addition to the common psychological conditioning, you must remember that it’s a virus-borne disease that could be avoided if you follow a good self-care practice. Follow personal hygiene practices as prescribed by the CDC. Eat healthily, sleep regularly and spend time in exercise. Avoid meeting people unnecessarily and stay away from a person who exhibits any signs of flu or cold.
Prioritizing your behavior with others during this coronavirus outbreak. The coronavirus related stress could be tackled with a combination of psychological and practical approaches together.
Get professional help if needed
It is normal to feel stressed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Disease in all forms is fearful and it is risky for people who are weak or already suffering from a disease. If you think that self-help plans are not working on you, it is better to get professional help. Contact your nearest mental health professional. He might prescribe you with Cognitive behavioral therapy and/or certain medicines after evaluating your case. All in all, it would lead to successful anxiety treatment.
