Coronavirus anxiety: 6 tips to manage it with greater serenity
In these weeks hit by the COVID-19 emergency, it is not so rare to find ourselves facing more or less important states of anxiety and panic. The difficult situation we are witnessing, which leads us to review and change even our smallest habits, it can in fact have a rather huge impact on our mood and our psyche.
The period of quarantine to which we are forced is undoubtedly a difficult test, especially on a psychological level, and in particular for those who find themselves living their days alone, without close affections and in a state of complete isolation. Never as in this moment, however, is it useful to focus on a concept of the common good, rediscovering the profound sense of the meaning of words such as "collectivity", "collaboration" and "community". A thought that should guide us in these unusual and surreal weeks is precisely the contribution we can make to the community with a simple gesture such as limiting the exits as much as possible and staying at home as much as possible. A sarificio this, which would also help the immense effort of doctors and nurses from all over Italy, engaged in the front line and subjected to very hard work, psychological as well as physical. This positive thinking, coupled with an awareness of the value our behaviors take on a national scale in this difficult scenario, can serve as a small antidote to quarantine fear, stress and agitation.
Specifically, we have identified 6 useful tips to combat coronavirus anxiety and try to better enjoy these indoor days, hoping to see the sun again soon and return to our normalcy as soon as possible and with a lighter heart.
One of the most virtuous ways to remove stress and anxiety and which goes well with the need to stay at home is undoubtedly dedicating yourself to a bit of healthy mindfulness meditation, a new awareness approach to find calm and serenity and focus on the present moment. , learning to remove doubts, uncertainties and fears about the future.
Here now, our six tips for surviving the coronavirus quarantine and keeping stress, sadness and anxiety at bay as much as possible.
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1. Focus on positive thoughts and make long-term plans
One of the main problems of anxiety disorders is precisely the tendency to continuous brooding and so-called "overthinking", practices that do nothing but fuel negative thinking and increase the state of anxiety. This is why diverting the mind to positive thoughts and images can only alleviate our worries and make us rediscover a sense of calm tranquility.
The trick is to try to stop the merry-go-round of alarming conjectures and thoughts and focus on the present moment, spending it on pleasant pursuits that keep us busy and allow us to make sense of our day.
An effective antidote is also to focus on long-term projects that you want to accomplish; you could take the time to make a list of the activities you would like to dedicate yourself to in the coming months: from a trip to a new hobby to real job opportunities or dreams that have remained in the drawer for a long time.
Do not be impressed by the fact that at the moment in the world the scenario seems uncertain and thinking about the future can throw you into despair: it is a phase that will pass, and like any difficulty, it will bring with it even more strength, determination and a new sense of rebirth. . After all, you know, positive thinking helps to attract beautiful things. So why not include in our routine this practice so simple and effective that it can only help us live better?
2. Keep virtual contacts so you don't feel too lonely
Yes, it is true, we have to stay at home, but fortunately we live in a "virtually connected age that allows us to feel the closeness even of the friend who lives in the other part of the world. In this delicate and difficult moment, we take advantage of this characteristic of our times: let's use the telephone, video calls on skype, cell phones and, why not, also social networks, where they do not act as anxiety amplifiers and unfounded paranoia.
If you feel lonely and the day is heavy, full of anxiety and stress, why not organize a video call with your best friend, mother or a colleague you haven't seen for a long time now? Talk about your doubts, share thoughts and uncertainties, laughing together, even from a distance, and chatting about the most trivial and trivial things will allow you to spend time in a more pleasant way, avoiding self-feeding your worries and making them gigantic and difficult to manage.
Let's not forget the great help and comfort that pets can give us in these complex and lonely moments: fortunately, according to the latest updates, dogs and cats are immune from the coronavirus danger, therefore they can safely be filled with cuddles and hugs. After all, the effectiveness of pet therapy is now more than proven, why not take advantage of it now that we can spend more time with them?
3. Take advantage of this time to dedicate yourself to things you love to do
Spend your time on pleasant pursuits, especially ones you never have time to do normally.
Transforming moments of crisis into opportunities is in fact "another great resource that allows us to rediscover ourselves stronger and let us know new parts of ourselves, dormant or still unexplored.
Whether it's a beauty care treatment to relax body and mind, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, DIY gardening tests, yoga or decoupage sessions, take advantage of this time available to occupy your thoughts and hands and to do something that makes you feel good.
You can take advantage of the forced rest to devote yourself to domestic activities that you postpone for some time or that you never have the opportunity to do, such as a deeper cleaning of the house, a bit of healthy decluttering, changing the wardrobe, up to the dusting off of old photos and memories of the past to be reorganized methodically. Cleaning up and making room will also help you on a psychological level, arousing in you a pleasant feeling of lightness and relief.
Even working from home at this time can become an extraordinary anti-anxiety remedy: organize well and mark the various moments of the day; this will help you to enrich it with commitments, give it meaning and turn off the thoughts that are not good for you.
4. Don't hang on to the news
Limit your viewing of the news to the maximum and do not be obsessively attached to social networks or information sites that continually reproduce catastrophic and alarming news.
Pick a single time of day to learn the news from the world out there and just tune in to that news channel - you don't need to see updates every five minutes. This good practice will not just lighten your load of anxieties and worries, making you more peaceful and allowing you to focus more on your daily occupations.
5. Consult ONLY reputable sites and sources
Never as in this historical moment is it essential to carefully select the news sites to turn to in order to find certain and reliable information.
It is important to stay away from fake news, unverified news, unfounded and dangerous alarmisms, even for our mental health.
Reduce your sources of information but make sure they are valid and contact them for the latest news and updates in a sparing and measured way. This will allow you to live with greater tranquility because knowing that you can count on figures of undisputed professionalism can only reduce alarmism and panic from uncertainties.
6. Make a list of good things or start a good things journal
Make a list of positive things, from the simplest to the most important; take advantage of this moment to remind yourself of everything that is most beautiful around you and that we often tend to forget or take for granted: especially in moments like these we find ourselves being a little short-sighted in front of the smallest and simplest things we have under the eyes but which have a great value.
If you love to write, you could start writing a small diary of beautiful things: focusing your mind on positive thoughts can only increase the sense of calm and well-being in us. It is a practice that also helps us to express our emotions and exorcise fears and anxieties.
Finally, rely on your creativity and try to find a thousand other ways to occupy this period of quarantine and fight coronavirus anxiety.
