8 useful tips to better manage the anxiety and stress generated by the Coronavirus emergency

Coronavirus is now a sadly current reality in many parts of the world. The degree of diffusion varies from area to area, from country to country, but it seems clear that, to avoid making things worse, the best thing to do is to avoid having contact with others as much as possible, reducing them to those that are strictly necessary.

There are several countries in the world that have issued measures aimed precisely at limiting the movement of citizens. Staying at home longer, however, also means having more time to take note of the spread of the epidemic and live a situation that can lead to psychological distress. For this, it is necessary to take care of ourselves and our mental health. The strategies to cope with anxiety, in an emergency situation like the one we are experiencing, are not lacking, and here we have decided to offer you some useful advice to manage stress.

via Harvard.edu

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1. We respect some simple rules to reduce risk

The media and authorities around the world have been repeating it for days: Coronavirus can be stemmed with a few simple precautions. Wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face, avoid direct contact and keep a safe distance from others if we find ourselves in situations outside and with other people. Obviously, these instructions vary from country to country, but everywhere the sense of responsibility is what must guide everyone in the fight against the epidemic.

2. We accept the situation with serenity

At the moment, the Coronavirus situation is an emergency that is trying to be stemmed, but which certainly cannot be stopped overnight. For this, it is necessary to build strength and learn to accept that there are things in life over which we do not have direct power. To do this, it can be useful to focus on the rediscovery of small daily joys, even when staying at home.

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3. Stress does not go away with bad habits

Eating or drinking too much, not moving, neglecting yourself or being easily irritable: you don't need any of this to face a moment of stress and disheartening news. It is harmful to our physical and mental health and other people's. For this, it is best to channel our concerns into fun, productive hobbies and passions that can reassure us. Meditation, physical activity, reading: we will discover that, even at home, many things can be done!

4. Recognize that we are anxious and do not expose ourselves to the news too much

It is absolutely normal, at a time like this, to be afraid of the evolution of things. Stress and fear are justified reactions, even from the succession of news that seems to get worse every day. Being informed is right and proper, but it is better not to be "overwhelmed" by news: in this way you will run the risk of finding yourself in an even more worried state of mind. So let's choose reliable news sources, and avoid consulting them compulsively.

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5. We turn our energies to helping others and remain strong for our loved ones

As never before is it important to feel part of a single community. Although the Coronavirus epidemic keeps us materially distant, we have many tools to make our relatives or friends feel close to us. Indeed, this can be just the opportunity to do good, and take care - as maybe we cannot do in normal conditions - of the people we love.

6. Some sacrifices are needed to help everyone

You don't need to get too caught up in anxiety, fear or stress because our daily routine has changed. The sacrifices we are making now will come in handy to help others in the future: let's keep this in mind, because it is certainly something that can give us courage. Fear must not guide our lives.

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7. If we feel too anxious, we seek help

There is no reason to be ashamed of seeking professional help. After all, psychologists and psychiatrists are there for this. In a delicate moment like the one we are experiencing, having advice and moral support becomes fundamental, especially if we feel particularly overwhelmed by stress and fear.

8. Let's trust our strength

Coronavirus is only the latest of the many challenges humanity has faced during its millennial history. Compared to the past, science has made great strides forward and, now more than ever, it is necessary to have confidence in the skills of many brilliant minds who, right now, are working day and night to find a solution. We will come out of it, that's for sure: in the meantime, let's try to manage our daily lives better! For us, and for others.