With the outbreak of COVID, there are many reasons to be concerned about becoming sick and how long the outbreak will last, if your job is affected, and what the next phase could bring. The influx of information, rumors, and inaccurate information can cause you to seem out of control and leave you confused about what you should do.
The impact of the pandemic on mental health has been a shock to many people, and it has underscored the problems of mental health care in the United States. Over 20% of adults who reported having a mental health condition did not seek counseling during the pandemic. One of the significant barriers to mental health care is a shortage of trained professionals in the field. A pre-existing lack of psychiatric beds contributed to this problem, and the increased number of COVID-19 patients has further exacerbated this problem.
People of Asian descent have suffered from a stigma related to COVID-19 and their health care providers. Many people with the virus are subject to verbal abuse and racial discrimination during a pandemic. Moreover, these individuals may be deprived of job and educational opportunities. Luckily, most stress is temporary and does not pose a health risk.
Some Self Care Strategies to Stay Protected From COVID-19
This is a challenging time for everyone, and it’s essential to take care of ourselves to take care of others. We have compiled a list of self-care strategies to help you cope with the current situation.
Because of COVID, many people have gone into isolation. Although it may appear to be the perfect opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones, it could also result in feelings of loneliness and depression. Here are three ways to combat those negative emotions:
- Take walks outside.
- Do something creative.
- Get proper sleep.
In addition to all of the above, there are some more steps that you need to follow to stay safe from COVID. While physical distancing from people infected with COVID is essential for staying healthy, there are also several self-care strategies that you can use to protect yourself from getting the disease.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Managing your chronic conditions is also an essential part of staying healthy. This means you should make self-care a priority. Whether it’s keeping active, eating a balanced diet, or practicing meditation, you need to balance your time and focus on your health. While limiting your time on social media and news may seem counterintuitive, it will keep you healthier. It’s also important to limit your movements in shared spaces and keep yourself at least six feet away from other people.
Try Staying At Home At All Times
If you’re worried about getting the COVID virus, you’ll want to stay home and avoid public places. If possible, stay at home and limit your time on social media and news. Instead, spend your time on activities that help you stay healthy and get plenty of sleep. This way, you’ll be less likely to contract the virus. In addition to these self-care strategies, you should also ensure that your chronic conditions are treated to stay protected against them. Also, try to sleep well in proper and healthy positions and ensure you have enough space to sleep comfortably.
Limit Your Time on Social Media
While you’re at home, you can also try to limit your time on social media. If you’re feeling a little anxious, try to limit your time on social media and news. The best way to stay informed about the latest news about COVID is to follow trusted organizations and sources for information. If you can’t avoid using social media, avoid social settings altogether. It would help if you also tried to limit your movement in shared spaces. Lastly, stay at least six feet away from others if possible.
Limit Your Exposure to Public Places
If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, you should remain at home. Attempt to limit exposure to public places. In particular, you should avoid taking taxis or ride-sharing services. In the meantime, try to stay at home or in a room as much as possible. If possible, stay in one room and use a separate bathroom for the same reasons as your family members. If you’re in a shared space, limit your movements.
Recharge and Relax
Set aside time for you. Just a short amount of time can be rejuvenating and aid in relaxing your mind and easing anxiety. Many people find relief from exercises like deep breathing, yoga, tai-chi, mindfulness, or meditation. Take a bath in a bubble, listen to music, or read a book, whatever you find relaxing. Please choose a method that you like and repeat it regularly. This way you can compensate for sleep loss.
Do Something for the Unprivileged
Find purpose in helping those who are around you. Giving back to others is an excellent method to assist ourselves. For instance, you can send an email, text, or phone call to check in on your friends, relatives, neighbors, and family members, especially older people. If there’s someone unable to go out, ask for a need-based item for them, like food or a prescription that needs to be picked up.
Help a Family or a Friend
Suppose someone in the family or a friend is required to be quarantined either at home or a hospital because of COVID-19. Find ways to remain in touch. This could be done via technology or the phone or by sending a message to make you smile.
Finally
Always try to negate the stigmas and discrimination. COVID-19 Stigma can harm people’s well-being and health in a variety of ways. People who are stigmatized may not have the resources they require to take care of their family members and themselves in the event of a pandemic. People concerned about being stigmatized might be less likely to seek medical treatment.
It is possible to reduce stigma through:
- Knowing the facts about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the CDC and WHO
- Be sure to speak up if or read inaccurate information regarding COVID-19 and certain groups of people or individuals
- Helping people who feel marginalized
- Supporting health workers
