Tips for staying Mentally Strong in the Corona (Covid-19) virus crisis
Tips for staying Mentally Strong in the Corona (Covid-19) virus crisis
In this last week the world as we know it turned upside down.
If you didn’t struggle with worry and anxiety before, then you may now.
It’s becoming harder to feel secure in these uncertain times.
But for those who already struggle with a daily battle of anxiety the news of the Coronavirus pandemic is tormenting and paralyzing.
For others, it’s sheer panic. Or anxiety over your health, for that of your loved ones. And every news feed is about the strain on the NHS and their ability to cope.
And if that wasn’t enough…the uncertainty about your job and finances, homeschooling, self-isolation and lockdown.
We don’t have control and it’s very easy to get caught up in the fear and uncertainty.
And during difficult times we find unhealthy ways of coping. Over drinking, overworking, under-eating or over-eating.
Some overstock their cupboards and panic buy as a means of gaining control. Whereas others may play the pandemic down as a means of keeping some sense of control.
That’s why it is so important to prioritise your mental health. Manage your anxiety.
To prevent the worry and panic setting in. Here’s how:
- Acknowledge your feelings. Accept that you have no control over the external circumstances. That we are living in uncertain times.
- Be kind to yourself and to others. Don’t get caught up with a rant about other people. Support each other.
- Consider how you can help others and the part you can play in building a supportive community.
- Join my free Facebook group and be part of a support network. This offers you a safe space to talk about how you’re feeling.
- Remain positive, limit the time you spend watching the news and discussing the virus. Whilst it is important to stay informed, focusing on the virus and its implications will make you feel worse. You could listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook instead.
- Challenge your thoughts. Have two columns on one side write your anxious thought and on the other side a positive more helpful coping statement.
- Practice a breathing technique 4-7-8. Breath in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds and slowly breath out for 8 seconds.
- Start a gratitude journal (see February’s blog)
Learn to relax your body.
Tighten each muscle group for 30 seconds and then release.
- Start with your toes, calves, thigh muscles, hips abdomen, forearms biceps, shoulders, eyes, and mouth.
If you need help to manage your anxiety or any other emotional difficulty you can get in touch. I offer online therapy using zoom, WhatsApp and telephone counselling.
And for the first time, I am offering group support from the comfort of your own home for £5.00 per month.
You’ll get access to group therapy twice a week on a Tuesday and Friday at 4pm.
There is no contract, or tie in. You can stay as long as you like and pay as you go.
Diane Woolrich is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist working in private practice. She helps people live a life that is true to themselves, to be kind to themselves by changing their negative thoughts and behaviours, to be able to fulfil their true potential.