How to Cope with Stress during COVID19 Outbreak

Sernor Cherryl S. Gatchalian

March of 2020 , an important date that happened in our country in which the declaration of COVID19 were announced. All areas in the Philippines are locked down. Filipinos are now experiencing stress, distress, panic in all aspects, its either physical, emotional, psychological , mental and even economic status.

All Filipino workers locally and internationally lost their jobs. Frontliners like nurses , doctors, and other medical personnel are now in great danger. Government officials are doing something to lessen the burden of all frontliners.

Dr.Adelaida C. Gaines ,RGS, RPsyc, the Resource Speaker in one of the seminars under Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) , mentioned that the impact of pandemic are the following: 1. Physical health 2. economic crisis 2. Mental health crisis

Philippines unemployment rate increased to 17.7% in April 2020 , or 7.3 million unemployed in the labor force (PSA, 2020). Eight (8) out of every 100 Filipino workers may end up jobless In the second quarter.(PSA, 2020)

But how are we going to cope with stress during this COVID19 Pandemic? Do we need to consult a doctor immediately? How can we relieve from stress?

Stress is a person’s physical and emotional response to change. It is a normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

Talking to people you can trust can help. Contact your friends and family. Draw on a skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during this outbreak.

Be aware that not everything you hear about virus may be true. Stay updated and use information from trusted sources , like your health authority, World Health Organization (W HO) or Department of Health (DOH).

If you must stay at home , maintain a healthy lifestyle including proper diet , sleep , exercise and social contact with family and friends at home and remotely.

Deal with emotions you may have in a healthy manner.

There are some ways on how to calm stress in 5 minutes or less.

Acknowledge your stress

You need to acknowledge that you have a problem, that you need to identify the root cause of it.

Chew Gum

According to a certain study, chewing is a great form of stress reduction.

Drink stress reducing tea

Inhale essential Oils or invest in a diffuser in which

Stretch at your desk

Take breaks during work

These are some of the things that we can do in order to release stress.

Take a BUTTERFY HUG

Embrace or hug you love one’s. It’s a MUST. It is Effective in releasing stress. Feeling that someone you love is there for you.

In time of crisis, we need to boost our immune system.

Now , Be SSK Thing

Be SAFE from coronavirus infection

Be SMART and inform yourself about

Be KIND and support one another

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! FILIPINOS AS ONE!

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it is a form of aromatherapy