Managing Stress During COVID-19

Posted July 16, 2020

Among many global health, economic, and societal disruptions, the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak has forced millions to physically isolate as this is not just a city’s, state’s or a country’s problem. It has become a WORLD PANDEMIC. Combine this with the extensive news coverage on the pandemic and an unknown future, it’s no wonder that anxiety is on the rise.

As a student, I am able to self-isolate in a safe environment and have access to resources to ensure my well being. Still, I too have experienced feelings of stress during this time. I have realized one important thing. I am extremely lucky to have resources to help me through this pandemic. I cannot even begin to fathom the insurmountable stress being experienced by those without such resources. This is all that we have been hearing in every word reported on the insensible and ruthless radio. Sure, we all think about needing to manage stress, but it doesn’t ever come easily. We are only humans with emotions. In the world we are living in today, it makes sense that we all have some amount of stress. Hans Selye, a prominent Canadian endocrinologist who conducted important scientific work on the hypothetical non-specific response of an organism to stressors states that, “It is not stress that hurts us, it is our reaction to it.” Dr. Selye was the first who discovered stress and gave it its name. I love this quote because it highlights just how much impact we have on our own stress levels. Therefore, I believe that we shouldn’t pressurize ourselves.

The way I see things is that it is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. The NHS hospital has stated that “Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family” as a way to encourage relaxation. News reports in ‘The Telegraph’ have encouraged us to “Close your eyes, breathe the fresh air and relax yourself…”

The UK government has also stated “If you are not a key worker, it is kindly urged that you must stay at home.” I agree, and I recommend that instead of being idle and getting bored at home, you try maintaining a healthy lifestyle – including proper diet, sleep, exercise and social contacts with loved ones at home and by email and phone with other family and friends. I know this list seems long, but once you start this “to-do list,” I assure you that it will bring back that smile again. Consider that you could also “draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage life’s adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak.” I believe that in a constantly changing environment, having life skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of everyday life. To cope with the increasing pace and change of modern life, students need the ability to deal with stress and frustration.

The medical doctors have also stated to “limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you spend stressing and doing work, instead give some time to spend with your lovely, caring family by watching movies or listening to music.” It’s my belief that even if you’re alone, perhaps you should start doing something you love and enjoy, something that makes your heart as joyous as possible. Some of my recommendations include:

Playing a sport
Researching
Being updated with news around the world that is relevant
Studying
Listening to music, drawing, painting, dancing
Cooking and/or baking delicious food
Volunteering virtually

I know it isn’t easy to be “normal” during this time. But even the UK government recommends “to not invite people to your house and have parties. It is the time that we deal with this situation with patience and maintain social distancing.”

Cleanliness also plays a role in this pandemic. I have seen a YouTube video which I thought might be interesting to share with you all about washing your hands with an anti-bacterial handwash for at least 1 minute. Singing ‘Happy Birthday’ while doing this will help you keep track of time. Isn’t this something we all can try?

The ‘UK government’ does encourage “to roam in your own house garden, or surrounding area. Go out only when an emergency or to buy essential household groceries. Obviously, food plays a significant part in living.” But this means that you also have options for wellness and joy right where you are. Take advantage of your time sheltering in place by gardening, reading, meditating, etc. And when you need to leave, do it thoughtfully by planning out your necessary stops.

Exams have been cancelled in some parts of the world, while others have no news about what’s going to happen in the future – the biggest news that has shaken all of us students. I understand that this was the worst part, as every student has been preparing for years and awaits to do their boards. The Study Tube Project suggests, “Try and use your time wisely. Why not start preparing for your next year if your current exams have been cancelled?“ I feel that this will make your life a lot easier when you go back to school as you will already know the basics of the content. Remember what Denis Waitley, a prominent American speaker, writer and consultant said, “Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.” That’s so true, and is what keeps me constantly motivated.

I believe that having involvement in the things that you love to do and truly enjoying having it done is a key way to deal with stress. Developing skills can create a positive mindset and attitude as it allows you to focus on the goal you want to achieve. Following social distancing rules is very important as in this way you are not only helping yourself, but also others who are around you by delaying the spread and lowering your risk of catching the virus. In the ‘Conversation’ article, which spoke about why we “shouldn’t worry about cancelled exams” we learn that “We should do whatever we can to bring joy back to the classroom – or, as it is now, the virtual classroom. We must trust our teachers to teach the curriculum and to assess students’ progress and abilities. The well being of students, their parents and their teachers would benefit from it.” I certainly agree with this as it is what it is. Now we have the chance to support each other through this difficult time.

Below are some useful links:

Covid-19 FAQs

https://www.bipolaruk.org/blog/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions

5 key steps to staying well

https://www.bipolaruk.org/blog/bipolar-coronavirus-5-steps-to-staying

Tips if you are worried about Coronavirus-

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/

10 tips and activities during lockdown –

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/coronavirus-tips-mindfulness/

Happy Handwashing song-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHPQrYthn6M

“Don’t worry about cancelled exams” article

https://theconversation.com/dont-worry-about-cancelled-exams-research-shows-we-should-switch-to-teacher-assessment-permanently-134709

Questions about your life yourlifeyourvoice.org or https://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/home.aspx– Your Life Your Voice – 24 hour teen crisis hotline – 1-800-448-3000
if you need any help –

https://teenlineonline.org/