As coronavirus continues to spread in the country, so does anxiety and worry about the situation. Based on science, here's what you can do to minimize negative feelings and maintain calm in this difficult time.
1. Tolerate unpredictability
Life is unpredictable and uncertain. You don't know what to expect tomorrow or a year later and you have no control over it. The same is true now that an unknown virus is circulating. Do what you can to protect yourself and others, but the rest is not up to you.
2. Don't resist anxiety
Confirmed dozens of times, when you resist anxiety, you just add it. During these days, don't come back from Netflix, alcohol or the news to calm down. Accept the situation, allow yourself to feel and experience it with sincerity. You can't escape the truth, but you don't even have to cling to it.
3. Suppress existential anxiety
Coronavirus awakens universal fear: fear of death. When faced with mortal evidence, we become overwhelmed with anxiety and focus on every symptom indefinitely. Try to relate to the meaning of your life and take responsibility for the way you live. Even better would be to start and do something you've been avoiding for years.
4. Don't underestimate your strength
Of course you will ask yourself what you will do at home, with no work and no pay. But keep in mind that you are imagining the worst possible scenario, and studies have proven that people are exaggerating it. You will do well, you are stronger than you think.
5. Do not overestimate the risk
Coronavirus can be dangerous, with a mortality rate of 1.4% to 2.3% and you should do your best to beware. However, thanks to any media coverage, people have become accustomed to feeling more at risk than they really are. To reduce anxiety, just spend 30 minutes a day reading the news.
6. Take care of yourself
Especially on such days you should eat and sleep well, exercise regularly and practice meditation techniques.
7. Get professional help if you need it
For some people, anxiety can become unbearable when there is such a strong urge. Seek the help of a specialist.
Adapted from Business Insider
