The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought many changes to the way you live your life and with it, at times, uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressure and social isolation. You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, whether your job will be affected and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, may worsen.
Take care of your body
Be attentive to your physical health:
- Get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Follow a typical sleep and wake schedule, even if you stay at home.
- Participate in regular physical activity. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Find activities that incorporate movement, such as dance or exercise programs. Get outside, such as on a nature trail or in your own backyard.
- Eat healthy. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid eating junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine intake as it can increase stress, anxiety and sleep problems.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. If you smoke tobacco or vape, you already have a higher risk of lung disease. Since COVID-19 affects the lungs, the risk increases even more. Drinking alcohol to try to cope can make things worse and reduce your coping skills. Avoid taking medication to cope unless your doctor has prescribed medication for you.
- Limit the time you use the screen. Turn off electronic devices for some time every day, including 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Make a conscious effort to spend less time in front of a screen - TV, tablet, computer and phone.
- Relax and recharge. Take time for yourself. Even a few minutes of silence can be refreshing and help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Many people find practices such as deep breathing, tai chi, yoga, mindfulness or meditation helpful. Soak in the bath, listen to music, read or listen to a book - anything that helps you relax. Choose a technique that works for you and practice it regularly.
Take care of your mind
Reduce stress triggers: - Stick to your regular daily routine. Maintaining a regular daily schedule is important for your mental health. In addition to a regular bedtime routine, keep consistent times for eating, bathing and dressing, work or study schedules, and exercise. Also set aside time for activities that you enjoy. This predictability can make you feel more in control.
- Limit access to the media.
- Stay busy. Healthy distractions can keep you out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. Enjoy hobbies you can do at home, such as reading a book, writing in a journal, making crafts, playing games, or cooking a new meal. Or identify a new project or clean out that closet you promised to get to. Doing something positive to overcome anxiety is a healthy coping strategy.
- Focus on positive thoughts. Focus on the positive things in your life instead of dwelling on how bad you feel. Consider starting each day with a list of things you are grateful for. Stay hopeful, work on accepting changes as they arise and try to keep problems in perspective.
And be healthy!"Medical Center - Skhidnytsia"