Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:-
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or some other kind of drugs.
Recent days have seen the sharpest economic pullback in modern history and a record-breaking spike in unemployment. It is inevitable that the global pandemic, compounded by the financial crisis, will have a material impact on the behavioral health of society. As governments race to contain COVID-19, it is important to know the actions society can take to mitigate the behavioral health impact of the pandemic and economic crisis.
Take care of your mind
Reduce stress triggers:
- Keep your regular routine. Maintaining a regular schedule is important to your mental health. In addition to sticking to a regular bedtime routine, keep consistent times for meals, bathing and getting dressed, work or study schedules, and exercise.
- Limit exposure to news media. Constant news about CoV from all types of media can heighten fears about the disease.
- Stay busy. A distraction can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. Enjoy hobbies that you can do at home.
- Focus on positive thoughts. Choose to focus on the positive things in your life, instead of dwelling on how bad you feel.
- Use your moral compass or spiritual life for support. If you draw strength from a belief system, it can bring you comfort during difficult times.
- Set priorities. Don’t become overwhelmed by creating a life-changing list of things to achieve while you’re home. Set reasonable goals each day and outline steps you can take to reach those goals.
Take care of your body
Be mindful about your physical health:
- Get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Stick close to your typical schedule.
- Participate in regular physical activity. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Eat healthily. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress and anxiety.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. If you smoke tobacco or drink alcohol, you’re already at a higher risk of lung disease. Avoid taking drugs to cope, unless your doctor prescribed medications for you.
- Limit screen time. Turn off electronic devices for some time each day, including 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Relax and recharge. Set aside time for yourself. Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help to quiet your mind and reduce anxiety.
