Grow Through What You Go Through: Coping With The Reality of COVID-19 Period
For those who are fortunate enough to have remained healthy throughout this pandemic so far, it may feel like waiting for the arrival of the inevitable. Fear of the worst, worry for our loved ones, sympathy for the fallen, tension following the rising case count. Everyone can’t wait for pandemic to be reined in, even if it’s just for the mental stress to be over.
While it’s not entirely clear how long it will take before we get back to a sense of normalcy, we can try to cope with the situation in the meantime.
1. Anxiety is normal — in fact, take it positively
First off, a certain amount of anxiety is actually good for us. Anxiety indicates that there are areas in your life that need adjustment, driving you to focus on the more urgent things.
Instead of making knee-jerk reactions (eg. forwarding unverified tips for preventing coronavirus infection), take the time to sit down and introspect.
If nothing else, meditate.
(But if you are worried that you may have symptoms of the COVID-19, call up your local health systems to seek further instruction. Do not take matters into your own hands as it may end up doing more harm than good.)
2. Review your finance, budget
For the working adults, put aside some time to assess your current financial situation.
We won’t go into details, but here are some areas to start with:
If your income is unaffected, but things seem uncertain in the months ahead:
- Build healthcare and emergency savings into your budget
- Build up your emergency fund to 3–6 months’ expenses
- Review which loan can be deferred until later
If your income is reduced due to the pandemic:
- Eliminate any expenses you don’t need (be cruel to yourself, it helps)
- Prioritise the remaining expenses
- Debt: Consider making minimum payments only for now
- Contact creditors to discuss available options
If you have lost your income due to the pandemic:
- Look into government/community benefits that you qualify
- Can you tap into your retirement savings?
A search in Google will yield many articles and guides. But, if you can talk to a financial adviser, that would be even better.
3. If you have to go out, make it short
Make preparations if you have to get out of home for essential business. The aim is to avoid crowding and limit unnecessary travel. Consider:
- Wearing a mask as an added barrier if you frequently touch your face with your hands.
- Carrying a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- When you get back home, wash your hands properly.
Grocery shopping? Where possible, use a delivery service. But if you have to go out yourself:
- Make a shopping list first.
- Buy in larger quantities to avoid going out frequently.
- At the store, don’t wander around — just hunt for what’s in your list.
If you need medication from the hospital, or have a scheduled medical appointment:
- Call ahead to check with the hospital staff. They may be limiting the number of people in the waiting area at any given time.
4. Maintain relationships and help out others
This is the time when we should be positive and supportive to others.
- Keep in touch with your friends and families.
- Check up (via phone) on neighbours and see if they need help.
- Stay connected with social media, messaging apps, and video calls.
Assisting others benefits both the receiver and the one giving. Let’s build solidarity in the community by working together in addressing the COVID-19 outbreak.
Check out: A Legacy in Times of Need: 5 Initiatives Against the COVID-19 Outbreak
5. Stay healthy, stay positive
Even for those in self-isolation, you can do physical exercises to keep your body healthy (YouTube if you need ideas).
Even something as simple as establishing a regular daily routine, getting enough sleep or eating healthy will boost your optimism.
Taking a step further, spread positivity within your network. Look for hopeful stories of local people who have experienced COVID-19: Someone who has made a recovery or a family supporting a loved one in this tough time.
6. Moderate how much news you are taking in
Facts minimise fears. Get your information only from trusted sources. And get the facts, not rumours. (You can find a list of good sources at the end of this article.)
But, you shouldn’t be on the news the whole day. Give yourself specific time of the day to get updates.
“Get news only so that you can take the practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones.” — WHO
7. Keep your mind engaged on other things
This is also a good opportunity to explore your creative side. Pick up a musical instrument. Draw and paint. Write a story, a blog or do a storyboard.
Try something you’ve never done before: Pick up gardening, make an attempt at knitting, learn some coding, or even do a TikTok video with the younger kids at home.
Above all, stop thinking incessantly about the pandemic.
It is always good practice to keep our perspective. When it comes to our health, most of us often worry about the physical body so much that our mental health is affected. If there is anything we can all do, it is to focus on what we have control over.
Let’s do what we can, adapt where possible and seek support from others for what we’re lacking. Remember, you are NOT facing this alone.
Here are some sources of news and resources on COVID-19:
Written by:
Li En Ru — Project Lead at Memori. Content writer with 3 years of experience in copywriting and research. Formerly associate editor at Borneo Bulletin in Brunei. En Ru’s favourite food is this sticky stuff called Ambuyat.