When we are uncertain about things our anxiety rises. As the Coronavirus spreads, we ask ourselves: How do I protect myself? Should I be wearing a mask and gloves? Do I really need to stay away from my friends and family? These questions make us feel vulnerable.
Right now, most of the world is experiencing anxiety. We have shared stress because all of us are under the cloud of uncertainty.
And here's an issue to consider - the more you stress, the more vulnerable you can become to viruses because stress can weaken your immune system. But there are steps you can take to push back against the world’s anxiety.
Plan ahead to feel more in control.
Those who are prone to anxiety like to be in control. So, if you take basic steps to prepare for an outbreak in your community you may feel a sense of relief. Be prepared for your children not returning to school or not having a high-school graduation celebration. Have contingency plans for these disruptions.
Unplug, disconnect, and learn to be in the moment.
Start by turning off the tv and putting down your phone. It's important to know what’s going on in the world but it won’t help to obsess over it. There comes a time when information gathering increases our fears. Make sure you take the time to identify trusted sources for information you can turn to during an outbreak. Remember the hurricane season when we all started saying “hunker down”?
Get some good sleep.
Getting a full night’s sleep has numerous benefits including increasing productivity, positively improving your mood, and can also boost your immune system. A boosted immune system means well-rested people are better at fending off viruses.
Exercise and eat well.
There's proof that daily exercise can help promote feelings of well-being as well as boosting your immunity. It’s OK to go outside - just maintain social distancing. Physical activity protects against symptoms of anxiety. Getting your heart rate up each day lowers the risk of many chronic health conditions.
What you eat can also help improve your outlook. The Mediterranean-style diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein has shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among a group of young adults.
Avoid eating cakes, cookies, ice cream and other foods containing a lot of sugar. This can lead to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
Wash your hands.
During an outbreak, proper handwashing is your best defense against a virus. Follow the advice to wash for 20 seconds, or sing the ABC’s to yourself, while using soap and water. In addition, you may want to discontinue hugging and handshakes and start embracing the elbow bump.
National Center for Performance Health is a unique organization designed with one goal in mind – to help you become your best you. We use advanced medical research and technology to achieve proven results. If you’ve ever thought about taking your game to the next level - we can help. Contact us at info@nationalcph.com or (866)684-2007 to learn more.