Coping with the COVID-19 virus
These are trying times! Everyone in the world is trying to wrap their heads around what is happening since the COVID-19 virus showed up.
At first, I must admit that I wasn't too worried about contracting the virus because I am healthy. Even if I did get it, I expected that I would recover from it. But then I began to realize that the concern wasn't about me getting it, it was about protecting others from getting it. I had to do everything I could to ensure I did not infect anyone else. I had to do my part to "flatten the curve." If I was at risk of contracting the virus, which I was, I had to isolate myself primarily to protect others.
I was at risk because I had been on a cruise ship which took me out of the country. This was when the cruise ships were still operating. Sure, we were all screened before we went aboard, but having a fever is only one possible symptom of the virus - not the only one. On the ship, we were required to wash our hands or disinfect our hands every time we entered the dining area.
Once I returned home, I was given information from the customs officer outlining the mandatory 14 day self-isolation process. When I came out of the custom doors, I was greeted by two Alberta Health Services workers who were there to answer any questions I may have. This was a welcome sight!
I was happy to self-isolate to ensure that no one else could become infected with the virus on the chance that I had contracted it from someone else.
More and more information is coming out about the virus and it can be overwhelming. For that reason, I would encourage you to limit your exposure to the news and focus on reliable sources such as Alberta Health Services, World Health Organization, or The Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
It's important to know how to prevent the spread of the virus and it's expected if you have some concern or worry during this time. There are things you can do to cope and manage any anxiety and worry you may have. I would encourage you to increase your self-care practices, exercise, yoga, nutrition, connecting to others via phone, text, or video, and my favorite way is EFT/tapping.
The Tapping Solution has a free APP that you can download onto your phone and they have recently added tapping for anxiety related to the COVID-19 virus. I am happy to say that I have been told that this has been very effective in reducing anxiety. Why don't you try it out for yourself. They also have many other free ones you can add to your self-care routine.
Finally, I have noticed that there are positive things coming out of this situation. Do you notice others reaching out to you to see if you're okay? Or are you reaching out to others to do the same? I have observed people offering to drop off groceries on my doorstep, a neighbor calling to see if we're okay, my daughter's friend checking in on us and offering to drop off anything, companies waiving charges, rent and mortgages being deferred, funding for people who are suddenly out of work, and families coming together to help each other out.
I made a conscious decision to keep track of the positive things I see happening now during these times of uncertainty. These are the things that bring us hope!
I think the lesson here is that our health is the most important thing, especially right now. If we don't have our health, what do we really have? This is our opportunity to making a commitment in taking steps towards achieving health and wellness.
If you know someone who would benefit from what you've read here, please forward this blog to them.
Hi! I'm Beth Matthews. I'm a Registered Psychologist who is driven to helping people feel better about themselves. I help people who are struggling in their lives gain an awareness of how they can cope with anything that comes their way. With my easy-to-use strategies, you can feel better and be your best you!
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