Coping with Stress and Anxiety due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Melinda B. De Lazo

Novel Corona Virus Disease also known as COVID-19 was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The rise of COVID-19 cases worldwide has led to feel anxious about the virus, its symptoms, its impact on the economy and to the society, as well as to the people who have been confirmed as “positive” of the infection.

The national government then, declared an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) all over Luzon and some other provinces to stop the spread of the virus. And this situation makes the people even more anxious and stress of what is happening. They are afraid that they might lose their businesses, jobs and social life because they cannot go out of their houses. As the days goes by, the people are beginning to become bored of doing nothing and depressed and stress because they cannot go outside of their houses.

Many have been affected by this pandemic physically and emotionally. So, here are some tips to help you to cope with the stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 pandemic.

1.1. Employ Routine

Set regular time to do things or task. Routines could help you avoid decision fatigue. It also makes you busy and helps you still feel productive during this quarantine.

2.Exercise

It helps to keep your body and mind healthy in that way you will have less chance of getting sick and stress.

3.Limit news consumptions

You should be observant and careful about the news you are reading. Reading too much negative article could increase your anxiety and stress so it would be better if you just limit them. Besides, not all news that comes out in the social media are true and reliable. So, it is important that you read it carefully and verify if it’s true or just a fake news.

4.Watch funny videos

There is a saying that laughter is the best medicine so keeping a happy disposition, having a positive attitude is very important to cope with anxiety and fear. 5.Take enough rest

Take the opportunity to rest and have enough sleep to regain your strength and to lessen stress. Having enough sleep or rest could help a person to think clearly.

In conclusion, being positive and having a happy disposition in life could help you manage your fear and anxiety well. Keeping yourself busy by doing the things you love to do will make you happy and stress free. And also, take this season as an opportunity to do the things you love to do that you cannot do during those busy days such having more time with your family together, cooking new dishes and learning new skills. And most importantly, take this time to reflect and meditate.

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The author is Teacher II at Dela Paz Norte Elementary School