The COVID-19 pandemic situation not only directly affects health but also impacts “mental state”. Because the widespread outbreak forces most people to adjust their lifestyles with more caution, going out and meeting people less often. Some have to work from home, and if anyone is directly affected economically, it can easily cause “stress” and intensify it even more.
For family members, whether children who have to study online or the elderly who are considered a high-risk group, they must be even more careful. The need for extra caution leads to accumulated stress without realizing it.
Stress is possible… but you must be aware
“Stress” that occurs is not as important a problem as whether we are aware or not? That we are in a state of stress. What are we stressed about? And how do we cope with this stress? These are the things we need to be conscious of and learn to find solutions.
Symptoms indicating… stress condition
Stress is a state of emotions and feelings that are pressured, constrained, or facing various problems. Each person expresses it differently. Therefore, we must regularly observe symptoms and monitor emotional states, both ours and our family members’, to see if there are signs of stress, such as:
- Feeling anxious, restless
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Cold hands and feet
- Body aches
Although these symptoms are only preliminary, they must be addressed quickly because if left untreated for a long time, they may become accumulated stress and lead to “depression”.
Learn and cope with stress
It is not unusual for people to experience stress, but we must be aware and find appropriate ways to cope with it, which can be done by:
- Following news only as necessary
Because during the severe COVID-19 outbreak, it may be necessary to take breaks from following the news to avoid excessive stress or anxiety. - Living normally… but cautiously
Although we all have to adapt, it does not mean we have to completely change our lifestyle. We just need to live more cautiously and be responsible for ourselves and society. - Engage in family activities
Invite the elderly and family members to do new activities together, such as baking, planting trees, or exercising, which can easily increase happiness within our home. - Talk to each other
Sometimes, even though we are in the same house, everyone is in their own online world. The elderly at home may feel lonely and stressed. We should choose to spend time together, talk, and show concern. This alone can help improve the atmosphere at home.
No matter how the situation unfolds… as long as we try to learn and understand what is happening, we will have a good enough mental state to pass on to those around us.
“Family”… is like a great source of happiness energy… that helps strengthen our minds.
