The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic has worn out many people in the world. During the first surge of stay-at-home orders, everyone understood that the measures were temporary and when the economy began to reopen, it brought some sense of hope and relief.
This relief seems to be short-lived as the coronavirus case numbers have risen again and there are fears of return of more restrictions – some countries have entered into a second phase of lockdown. It is understandable to feel anxious or even stressed up at this point. Infact, the stresses of financial and economic uncertainty, and may result in fear, worry and even depression.
Though we’re still living through this difficult time, this new phase brings another opportunity to show resilience and strengthen the bond that we already share.
To help us through these uncertain times, here are some strategies for staying mentally and emotionally strong as you face this challenge and others.
Consider the following especially if you run an educational institution:
It is wise to observe and be ready for key challenges of health, safety and resurgence protocols. While schools across the world are reopening, many remain unclear due to a second and third wave of the pandemic being anticipated. At this time, effective safe reopening should be based on robust health safety as resurgence protocols requires good accumulation of past experiences that can be the basis of the assumptions for the future. While a lot of lessons have been learned from the past health crises, much remains unknown about COVID-19 which is why personal responsibility is needed. Teachers, administrators, and parents, who are the key to implementing the health and safety measures need to be on board and on the same page throughout the process.
Monitor, Adapt and Adjust:
This period is not business as usual. As the situation continues to evolve rapidly, it is important to be on the alert. There is the need to constantly monitor and analyze the key triggers of an outbreak or a spread. Such information should be reported to the authorities for decision-making, contribution and possible adjustment of decisions. Not communicating such can be detrimental to the immediate and remote society.
Recall Your Purpose:
Our Front-line health care workers who were almost heaving a sigh of relief that there were fewer cases have been thrown right back into the same frightening scenario they were in – fighting the new wave of the pandemic. You see, this is not the right time to be uncertain about how your actions matter in the big picture. Remember that we all have a part to play in this ongoing crisis. Your role may be to stay at home or work from home, travel less or wear your face mask to reduce the spread of coronavirus and make things safer for people. Yours might be to remind friends and family to observe all health protocol.
Continue Connecting:
During the first stay-at-home period a new kind of creativity and community connection reigned. People used technology to connect in all kinds of new and interesting ways. Even when we can’t be with the ones you love especially during the holiday season, leaning into these support systems can help everyone weather the ongoing waves of the storm. If you can survive the Christmas without travelling, then please do not travel.
Prioritize your well-being:
The same types of lifestyle choices that support you physically and mentally also play a critical role in times of high stress in times like this. Try creating some sense of schedule or routine, eating nutritious and well-balanced meals, getting regular physical activity — you can even use your garden, then sleeping/ relaxing as much as possible. If you have any underlying health condition(s), keep in touch you’re your Doctor, both for in-person appointments and virtual visits.
Call for help when you need it:
If you experience the symptoms below for more than a few days, or if they begin to interfere with your daily life, it may be time for professional mental health treatment. This is not the time to be shy. Talk to your primary care physician to link you up with the right professional to help you deal with the problem.
- Anger, denial or irritability.
- A lack of motivation.
- Fatigue or being overwhelmed.
- Feeling burnt-out.
- Physical reactions, including headaches, pain, stomach problems and rashes.
- Sadness, hopelessness and depression.
- Trouble concentrating or sleeping.
- Worsening of chronic or mental health conditions.
We all want this crisis to come to an end so we can enjoy free fresh air, shake hands and hug our loved ones, even gather without fear under one roof. Well, that can happen again if only every one of us play our part in ensuring that one more person does not get infected with the coronavirus. How are you and your community coping with the resurgence of covid-19? Do share with us in the comment section.
