The Pandemic of Fear

COVID19 is all over the news, and, for many of us, it is all we can think about. It makes sense, our lives have now been altered to protect ourselves and those around us from contracting the illness. However, the illness is not the only thing that is contagious and destructive, it is the fear that it incites.

During fearful times, we have to focus on self care and our own mental health. If we let our fear and anxiety about the virus overwhelm us completely it may lead to a break-down in our self-care and ultimately lead us to have a weaker immune system. We often see this effect around school exams, when those late season colds sneak up on us.

If we are unable to go outside and take part in our usual stress management practices we might need to get creative.

Some self care ideas to keep you occupied and while still keeping you safe:

1. Instead of going to movie theatres watch a movie at home, but make it an event with popcorn and even trailers. You can skip the liquid butter on the floors.  
2. Puzzles and board games are a great way to pass the time with your kids who are not at school. 
3. Read a book and check out your local library’s free digital resources.
4. Get creative: DIY face masks and body scrubs, paint your nails and take a bubble bath.
5. Reconnect with old hobbies: Paint, draw, craft, or cooking and baking.
6. Finish your taxes, clean your home, organize your closet, and catch up on all those emails you have been putting off. 
7. Meditate: Give MUSE or headspace a download and finally give meditation a real shot. 
8. Exercise: Now is a great time to try an at home workout. Roll out your yoga mat and follow along with one of the many guided workout routines or yoga classes available on YouTube. You can also  go for a run outside if you are not bothered by the cold and can keep your hands to yourself.
9. FaceTime with friends and family. Just because you should not be visiting your loved ones does not mean you cannot give them a call or video chat to check in and support each other through these stressful times. 
10. Limit your consumption of fear inducing media. While it is important to stay informed,  there are limits. Watching the news all day and checking social media for updates at all hours is not helpful. Instead, try out a new podcast.

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