Is There Such a Thing Called, Coronavirus Anxiety?
Many people have developed fears, stress, anxiety, and worry due to the Coronavirus. I want to encourage you to never feel powerless during these crazy times that we are living. No one knows how long we are going to live in uncertainty. The last thing that anyone should do is to allow themselves to get all 'worked up' and panic. In this article, I want to encourage you to consider several things.
Be careful of where you get your information.
You know, and I do that, all the information floating around in the media and even the printed page is often inaccurate. Double-check information and stay in tune with your local state guidelines. I want to encourage you to stay informed.
2. Challenge fears with truth.
For those of you who have ever heard someone say, "God has not given us the spirit of fear," you've been given correct information. The Bible does say that. When you and I allow ourselves to live in fear, we are accepting the spirit of fear. The spirit of fear is bondage. If you believe the truth, you can accept and believe that God has things in His control. Perhaps you aren't there in your thinking yet; that's okay, keep seeking the truth.
3. Focus on things we can control.
When things in our arena of life seem out of control, we can begin to think about all of the 'what if's. 'What if' opens our minds -door to accept many fears that more than likely will never happen. We tend to get all worked up over the 'what if's' and become fearful of things that will never happen.
When I allow fear to take charge of my thoughts, I have found that my focus on life changes. This is when I realize that I must take the lead in my thinking process. Yes, changing the focus to things that I know that I am in control of doing. Such as:
· Follow guidelines from health officials.
· Wash my hands with soap and water regularly.
· Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable.
· Practice the 6 feet distancing rule.
· Take vitamins that your physician recommends
· Eat properly and if going out to eat, remember the safety guidelines.
· Exercise and sleep well to keep my immune systems in a safe place.
· Break the habit of placing my hands on my face.
· If feeling sick, stay home.
· If you develop COVID -19 symptoms, get tested ASAP. Guaranine until you know that you and others are safe.
· If there is COVID -19 in the home, wear masks, and keep safe distances.
· When isolated, stay connected.
· Coronavirus should not dominate all of your conversations.
· Avoid self-medicating.
· Practice the art of relaxing.
· Read a good book and pass it to someone else that may enjoy it.
· The list goes on…
4. Look for ways to help others safely.
Looking for ways to help others during a pandemic is not only commendable; it is necessary. There are always people in need, and there are ways to help others without putting yourself at risk. If you are at high-risk or with a low-immune system, please stay home as often as possible. There are still ways to help others.
For High-risk individuals:
Use your phone to call, text, or email to stay in touch.
Pray for people who have health or physical needs.
Contribute items to a community non-profit that helps those in need.
Use your skills such as sewing, web-design, write notes of love and encouragement to uplift some in horrible conditions.
For Non-High-risk individuals:
Donate to food banks
Serve in a local food bank to hand out clothing and food items
Help those in your area that are isolated, particularly the disabled or older neighbors.
Be a calming influence on those that you know or hear of that are panicking.
Always be kind and respectful to others when you are out in public.
Make someone's day and give a large tip at the restaurant or to the delivery person that comes to your front door.
We need one another to work through life; therefore, l suggest that we do it purposely!
