Is all the news on the new coronavirus and the illness it causes making you worry? Well, that seems quite obvious. If you’re wondering how to deal with anxious feelings that are surfacing, this blog post can guide you through steps which will be helpful to several people.

If you regularly struggle with anxiety, worries about your health, or obsessive thoughts and actions, this blog is what you must read through.

1. BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE NEW CORONAVIRUS

Managing your anxiety is of course a thoughtful process. Try and answer the following questions after giving it a little thought:

• How worried are you?
• How do you usually handle worries?
• How does your body react when you are worried?
• What helps your mind and body stay calm?

We need to first know what works for us to help ease anxiety. Always remember what works for you might not work for others as we have our own preferences and choices. Once you have these answers and thoughts, you are ready to help yourself when anxiety rises.

2. THINGS YOU SHOULD DO MORE

• Stay connected with your family, friends and loved ones through video chats, phone calls, texting.
• Avoid false information about the coronavirus and illness it causes.
• Incorporate yoga and meditation in your daily routine.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and keep away from them as much as possible.
• Do what makes you feel relaxed like reading a book, watching a comedy show or movies etc.
• Whatever the circumstances are, make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sleep properly, drink lots of water, eat healthy, do exercise and other activities you enjoy as it will keep your body healthy and your mind calm.
• Reach out to reputable resources to know the facts. The amount of information around Covid-19 is overwhelming. Make sure you only get your information from the reliable resources.

3. THINGS YOU SHOULD DO LESS

• Unnecessary travels and get-togethers.
• Please understand that there is no need to stay updated 24/7. It only makes the anxiety worse.

4. INDICATORS THAT ONE MIGHT BE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY

These indicators can broadly be classified as emotional and physical. Let’s throw some light on these:

I. PHYSICAL INDICATORS:

Nausea, headache, shoulder and neck pain, shortness of breath, hot flashes and cold sweat.

These can also be symptoms of illness which can make you feel more anxious or stressed.

II. EMOTIONAL INDICATORS

Having the following thoughts can be emotional symptoms of being anxious:

• What if i lose my job?
• What if i get sick?
• Will I be able to fight the virus if I get infected?
• How much worse can the situation get?

You may also feel sad, depressed, frightened and it is really ok to feel so. What’s important is knowing how to overcome these feelings. Remember that everyone reacts differently to every situation. Here are some simple strategies which you can implement to cope with anxiety during this pandemic:

• KEEP A CHECK ON YOUR EMOTIONS

If you are using smoking, alcohol or drugs to deal with the situation, you need to stop it right away. Instead of helping you cope, these things will only further fuel up your anxiety. Understand that these things won’t make you feel any better. Instead indulge yourself in healthy practices and if yoga, exercise have never been a part of your life, well now is the perfect time!

• KNOW THE FACTS

Please be aware that WHO has not declared coronavirus as a pandemic because it’s deadly. A pandemic only describes how widespread it is. Don’t get consumed by the news as it allows mindless terror to take over. Don’t focus on the stories that further fuel your anxiety or fear, instead try to be in touch with people who can guide you the path along positively and sensibly knowing the true facts and not just the rumors.

• TAKE A BREAK FROM NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

While we must stay updated with the latest news about the virus and health advice, we need to understand that hearing about this news 24/7 can be upsetting. Reduce the time you are spending on media coverage and social media and switch it off for a while please. Parents also must look into how much time their kids are spending on social media to help them cope up with their anxiety.

• LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER

While coronavirus puts many restrictions on gatherings and get-togethers, we can still be helping each other and become each other’s support during these difficult times. Check in your neighbours, relatives and friends, support local businesses, share resources and show love to all!

• CONNECT WITH YOUR FAITH AND PRAY

The least we can do is pray for the safety of everyone and for the god’s peace to be among us all. God’s love and faith can be comforting when things around us grow overwhelming. Pray for the things to get better, pray for everyone!

• FIND THINGS TO USE YOUR TIME

Find joy in reading a book, bake a cake or do a puzzle. If you are at home which we would like to believe you must be, don’t stay idle or get bored as it will only make you overthink about the stuff happening around. Use this time to try something new, pursue a hobby and pick up that pen or paintbrush and enjoy!

• BE KIND AND TAKE IT EASY

Now is the time to be kind to yourself and the others around you. Take care of vulnerable people like kids, older parents and grandparents. Know that what you are doing right now is the best you can. Listen to soft music to create a sense of calm, use an aromatherapy diffuser, take a deep breath and get yourself a hot bath. Relaxation and calmness can be helpful during these overwhelming times.

• EXERCISE

Incorporating some exercise into your everyday routine is one of the best ways to get all those feelings flowing. If you are too lazy to leave your couch, just move your arms or whatever you can.

5. HOW TO LESSEN THE RISK?

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or sanitize with alcohol based sanitizers.
• Keeps your hands away from your eyes, ear, nose and mouth.
• Supplementing with Vogue Wellness vitamins, minerals and herbs can improve your immune response.
• Following are some herbal supplements well known for boosting your immune system:

Vogue wellness VOZI Tablets (Zinc based immunity boost supplement)

Amla – Richest source of VITAMIN C

Tulsi

Neem  

Ashwagandha 

Triphala

However, make sure you talk to a health care professional before you start taking any such supplements.

Most of the things we need to improve our immunity are easily accessible to us all. Stay home to stay safe and consume these powerful herbs to beat coronavirus.

This is a matter of common concern and we are all in this together! The news about the virus might grow worse but will later surely grow better. Create a positive atmosphere around yourself, take sensible steps, practice good hygiene and listen to people who can help us navigate the path ahead. Use calming strategies or maybe try something new. Remember, the choices you make right now matter and matter a lot! So choose wisely what to do and what not to  as it’s going to make a big difference.