COVID-19 came like a storm and turned our everyday lives into lockdown disrupting the way we live, work, socialise, and stay healthy. The coronavirus as deadly as it is has taken an additional emotional toll on our wellbeing. The complexities double if you or your loved ones are a senior citizen. Coping with stress, uncertainty, anxiety is difficult in these turbulent times. Managing one’s health in these difficult times along with the ageing-associated health concerns like diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease can be tough and needs a lot of strength and courage from within.
In testing times, the toughest thing to handle is the uncertainty that surrounds the Covid-19 pandemic. We simply do not know how the virus will change our lives forever. In tough times, like these being stressed and anxious is not uncommon. You are not alone, everyone in the world is feeling the same. If you feel occasional shortness of breath, heart palpitations or have developed a fear of talking to people, you need to take a deep breath and be calm, the entire world stands by you.
The Covid-19 pandemic surrounds us and the entire world, countries, cities are lockdown to control the infections contagion spread. Tough times call for tough measures, as we brace ourselves for what may come next, here are a few tips that will help you deal with the Coronavirus Anxiety if you (or your loved one) is a senior citizen-
It is good to stay informed, but it is equally stressful to obsessively check the news
Limit your news intake, restrict it to half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening. Watching news obsessively will only leave you with stress, anxiety and uncertainty.
Trust only reliable sources of information
It is as important as choosing the news you watch. With an information overload around coronavirus, trust only the reliable government sources and international health advisories.
Take a break from social media
Trust us, this works. All the social media feeds make you constantly watch and hear the same information causing fear and uncertainty.
Give time to yourself
Self-isolation is an excellent time to dedicate the much-needed time to yourself. Do things that you like- complete a world puzzle, watch an award-winning movie, read a book, or listen to your favourite music.
Reconnect and revive old memories
Technology has enabled to reconnect with our loved ones so effortlessly. Call a friend, family member talk about the old happy memories but be careful not to digress talking about the gloomy COVID-19.
This too shall Pass
Most important, the humankind has survived and evolved in the toughest times. Coronavirus pandemic is a crisis, but this too shall pass. Experts say if you take adequate precautions, becoming infected with the coronavirus is low. So, relax and take care of your well-being.
Stress relief and Anxiety relief Strategies
As the world comes together to fight out Covid-19, here is how you (irrespective of your age) can cope up with the uncertainty around coronavirus-related anxiety-
- Make a daily schedule and follow it.
- Be sure to get some exercise, it can be as simple as walking for 20 minutes in your home.
- Practice relaxing breathing techniques, like breathing through belly.
- Talk with a medical professional, if you are too anxious, and stressed.
- Try yoga, it is an excellent stress buster.
- Discover the calmness of regular meditation techniques.
Remember, we all are in this together, together we can, and we will win over COVID-19.
Stay calm, stay Healthy!
