Three ways to stay calm during the pandemic
It’s good to be informed, but as human beings, we tend to fall into a state of panic when the fear of the unknown starts to creep in.
Junior Daniela Morales is a first year staff writer for Elkhart Memorial GENESIS.
March 29, 2020
It’s been a chaotic few weeks, so it can get pretty hard to stay calm, especially with the constant news updates about the pandemic. However, it is important to know that our mental health is just as important as our physical one.
Trust me, I’ve been there before. I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of tons of articles and videos concerning COVID-19. I’ve even caught myself watching a documentary, and trust me, it is not a good idea. (Please don’t watch documentaries or even movies about pandemics. THEY WILL FREAK YOU OUT).
So what is the best way to remain informed but also calm?
FIRST: Don’t surround yourself 24/7 with information about COVID-19.
Revolving our lives around the pandemic is not good for our mental health. Instead, try to distract yourself by doing activities that you thoroughly enjoy. For instance, you can paint, listen to music, go for a walk, and perhaps the most important one: relax. Do anything that eases your mind.
SECOND: Spend more time with your family.
In light of all this, it is important to realize that we are not alone. Everyone around you is somehow being impacted by this situation even if they aren’t sick with the virus. So take the time now to reconnect with people (Obviously, the best way would be to Facetime because social distancing is still really important).
THIRD: Realize that all of this will be over soon.
Understanding that we have no control over the situation, can help us become aware that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may feel like there is no end in sight, but have faith that everything will soon pass and we will get back to our normal lives.
As for now, remember to always get COVID- 19 information from the CDC. Getting your information from other sources could lead to misinformation causing even more panic. On another note, remember to wash those hands and please practice social distancing. This is perhaps the only way that we can stop COVID-19 from spreading.
The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the GENESIS staff. Email Daniela Morales at [email protected]
