COVID-19: Finding Calm in the Chaos

This can happen everyday: You watch the news and turn the TV off. The negative updates leave your mind in a state of blankness. You sit on the couch worried. A sense of panic boils within. You stand up and pace around the house. You want to get out and unwind but can’t. What can you do to calm down? Read more below.

1. Be thankful for what you have

Gratitude can go a long way in fighting fear and loss of control. But first, take a look at what you have - the safe roof you’re under and the company of your loved ones. Even if the world is in quarantine, be thankful for all the simple things you have for there is beauty to be found everywhere.

2. Get regular exercise

Being stuck at home for months is not an easy experience to handle. To fight the stress, do some home workouts. Release the dopamine in your brain. You can brisk walk around your home. If leaving the house can be an option, a run around the block is good. Just maintain social distancing from others.

3. Stay hydrated

Aside from causing physical problems, dehydration can also affect moods. Examples of these are headaches, increased fatigue, and lack of concentration. Avoid this by making sure to drink 8 glasses of water or more in a day.

4. Eat on time with a balanced diet

Just as the Snickers commercial slogan says, “You’re not you when you’re hungry”. So don’t allow yourself to be. Eat foods rich in protein to stay full longer. Have a vegetable-filled meal for vitamins. Stuff yourself when it’s mealtime.

5. Focus on having proper sleep

Since others are working remotely and schools are closed, sleeping schedules have been shuffled. Most of the time, this causes us a lack of proper sleep. It is important that you should stick to a regular sleeping schedule. Take naps during the day as well.

6. Acknowledge your negative feelings

We all feel anxious about the future as we think that the pandemic could last longer. Sometimes we’re also furious due to the restriction of our individual movements. This is all normal and healthy. What’s important is we don’t repress them, but instead, we keep them in check.

7. Voice your emotions out

When everything becomes overwhelming for you, don’t be afraid to voice your opinions out. Find others who feel the same way. Engage in a discussion and find solutions to your problem. You can discuss your feelings with your family, friends, colleagues, or strangers online.

8. Let out your artistic side

Everyone has their own style of expressing their emotions. If you’re not into discussions, then expressing yourself through art also helps. Compose a song about the current pandemic. Draw or paint the positivity and negativity you feel now. Write a poem if you have to.

9. Keep communications open

Checking on people you care about is reassuring especially when you know they’re safe. Get in touch with them regularly. Facetime your relatives and family members. Text or call a colleague and start a casual conversation. It’ll feel like a normal day in the office, just not physical.

10. Find ways to stay happy and positive

There’s a lot of things that can keep us entertained nowadays. Media platforms such as YouTube offer various content specific to our desires. You can watch a comedy channel for some good laughs. What was that hobby of yours you forgot? Now’s the time to tend to it! 

The best way to maintain calmness is to take care of yourself. So get enough sleep and proper nutrition. Maintain social contact with the ones you care about. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings and be thankful every day for the life and health you have.