Times of crisis can undoubtedly cause a lot of stress and panic. There’s no denying that the coronavirus global pandemic has struck fear in the hearts of people around the world.
Whether you are on lockdown, thinking about your health, or economic status, it is important to put things in the right perspective so you can properly manage your mental health and stay calm.
While the pandemic is not expected to go away very soon, it is worth maintaining a good physical and mental state so you can stay resilient and be able to adapt to the drastic changes happening in the world today.
Be conscious of your exposure to media
Let’s face it, every time you see the news and updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, you cannot help but be stressed if this health crisis will go away soon so people can go back to their normal lives.
It is important to disengage yourself from feeding on negative news and focus your attention on doing activities that will help keep your mind off the crisis.
You can pick up a book, work on a DIY project, or find time to communicate with family and friends.
Take a breath
A lot of people may not be aware of it, but breathing is directly linked to the human nervous system. Taking normal and deep breaths brings a calming effect especially when one feels stressed.
When stressed, take a deep breath by counting to four and exhaling for six counts. Do this for one to two minutes and you will start to feel relaxed, clear-headed, and calm.
The best thing about this is that you can do this anywhere, whether you are waiting in line at the grocery checkout, at home, or even in bed.
Speak it out
Neuroscientists have found that writing or talking about your feelings can help you feel calm and relaxed. You do not have to rant it out to social media, rather write it down on a journal or talk to a friend about it.
The reason for this is that when you do this, you process your emotions and will give you the chance to equip yourself in how to effectively deal with similar situations or actions.
The more you realise and take notice of your emotional responses, the better you are at recognising it when it happens to you and begins to stop overwhelming you mentally.
Be compassionate
You can better control your emotions by showing compassion to others, which makes you relate to people who are less fortunate or resilient than you are.
Studies have shown that when you empathise or demonstrate kindness to others, it helps you take control of your anxieties and gives you a sense of hope when feeling uncertain about your situation or those of the people around you.
Meditate and reflect
Meditation and reflection have been proven to generate untold benefits for the mind and body. Studies have shown that it helps train the mind to stay present and grounded rather than spiral into a mental barrage of doubt and uncertainty.
Find time for yourself and go to a quiet area. Take a seat and focus your attention on your body and relax by letting go of any physical tension that you may be experiencing.
As you let go of your tension, inhale and exhale deeply, which will cause you to clear your mind. Continue to clear your thoughts and focus on your breathing exercise for a minute or two.
Always remember that panic and worry do not solve problems on its own, instead make sure to focus on always clearing your mind and stay calm so you can weather any crisis that comes your way.