How to Prioritize Your Well-Being and Mental Health During Covid-19 Outbreak
The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has brought massive hysteria to all places around the globe. While governments of various countries have advised their citizens to remain indoors and work at home, it would be a lie to say that there’s no feeling of anxiety in each one of us.
Yet as we do our best to boost our immune systems to ward off the infection, we may forget about our emotional and mental health. As a solopreneur or someone who works an eight to five job, how can we prioritize our overall well-being during these uncertain times?
1. Ask for help or help those in need
It’s normal to feel some negative emotions during an unpredictable situation. However, if you feel that it’s too much, don’t hesitate to ask for comfort and help. The media portrays humans at their worst in the current situation but try to keep in mind that there's positive news out there - only less reported. Also, inspire others to act with calmness and kindness by offering a helping hand when needed.
2. Stay positive
Humans are resilient in nature and have survived millions of years no matter what ordeal they goes through. Try to be positive while working either at home or at the office. Believe that this pandemic will be over soon and a cure is on its way.
3. Keep in touch
Nothing can be more reassuring during a pandemic than knowing that your friends and family are healthy and safe. Check on them regularly and check-in on your current status as well.
4. Disconnect from news or negativity-inducing media
Media outlets romanticize the pandemic too much and are more inclined to report death tolls and numbers of the infected. If this makes you feel paranoid, then unfollow, disconnect or change channels to much more positive news such as channels that report recovery cases and advisory on how to stay safe and healthy. Get facts from authoritative sites such as the CDC and WHO.
5. Recognize your emotions
Feel angry, scared, or depressed about the pandemic? Instead of bottling those emotions, voice them out to people you trust. Remember that you’re not alone in this, and realizing that offers comfort. You can also have a meaningful discussion with a close friend or colleague to release pressure.
6. Try a new indoor routine or hobby
Can’t go out due to the risk of contamination? Then now is the time to make use of the facilities in your office or home. Choose to stroll through the hallways instead of walking outside. Pursue a hobby you've been wanting to try. Exercise indoors with free online workout videos. Read a good book.
7. Host a community check-in
Host or join a community or small group call where others can check-in, share feelings and resources, and support each other during the pandemic. It's one way you can help your team, co-workers, or clients in your business be informed, encouraged, and feel reassured.
8. Start or join an online wellness program
Since going out for a workout is a risk, why not create a new indoor routine and share it as a wellness program with friends and family via online? Why not start a friendly competition of physical activity while maintaining social distancing?
9. Treat the pandemic as an opportunity
Instead of brooding or complaining, take the pandemic as an opportunity to enjoy more rest and destressing activities. When work-related deadlines and stress were common before this all began, realize that now is a great time to work at your own pace. It could also be a perfect time to rethink some business strategies or focus on that creative project.
Bottom line: Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by negative news. Stay positive and calm. Get busy to keep your mind off the pandemic hysteria. More importantly, check-in regularly with those you care about, speak up, and support others as well.