Tips for Dealing with COVID-19 and Managing Related Stress

Edwin T. Zabala

Year 2020 and it’s evident that this year will be one like no other. Across the globe, fears of the novel corona virus are spreading quicker than the virus itself. Businesses are closing, borders are firming up, thousands are panic buying, and most of us are being informed to self-isolate. If you’re feeling anxiety, insecurity, and fear at this time, it’s entirely understandable.

However, amidst the very real danger that the coronavirus poses to many, the fear that we are experiencing in both mind and body is doing little for our health and vitality. The fear response, which is certainly beneficial when we’re up against imminent danger, is now in overdrive for many. With a flood of worrisome information and opinions being posted throughout news sources and social media, it is hard to find the peace and ease we deeply yearn for.

The scientific term for it is social contagion – the spread of emotion from one human to another. Understanding this emotional transmission can help us to take calm and collected steps that nourish ourselves and all those we interact with. Let’s take a closer look at the stress response, uncovering why it might not be fueling our sense of peace and wellness at this time.

When the mind perceives a threat, the stress response kicks in. Heart rate speeds up, the breath becomes shallower, and a cocktail of stress hormones are secreted to help us manage the danger. In times of imminent danger, this helps us to fight or flee where appropriate. However, when this response is chronically switched on due to our engagement with news, social media, or our racing minds, it can lead to increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, or stroke, impaired communication between the HPA axis (that manages the stress response) and the immune system.

Digestive issues, such as nutrient absorption, pain, and bloating, and impaired decision making (switching from goal-oriented action to habit action). None of this needs to be cause for alarm; instead, we can use this information to empower ourselves to be more mindful of our thoughts, concerns, emotions, and the world around us.

??Be mindful of time spent reading news and scanning social media.This is a particularly challenging one for many, especially since many of us are self-isolating and are unsure of what to do with our time. However, see if you can draw increased mindfulness to your time spent online. Take mini pauses to inquire: Is what I am engaging with fueling fear or peace?

Consider ways of supporting your community connection. One thing we can be thankful for during this difficult time is the diversity of ways we can connect with others (yes, the internet and associated technologies are a double-edged sword). Check in with your friends and family members via phone or video calls. Have virtual dinner dates with those you care about. In addition, you can scope out an online community that will support your sense of connection and togetherness at this time.

Self-inquire: What opportunities might this time be presenting?As we all have additional quiet time at home these days, consider what buried passions or curiosities might yearn to be explored. This is a great time for at-home learning, creative expression, and mindful contemplation. Consider any online courses, books, or other resources that can support you.

The author

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is Teacher III/ALS Coordinator at Floridablanca ES, Florida East District