Are you feeling anxious over the new Corona Virus - Covid-19?
Like the majority of the population you will undoubtedly be feeling a little anxious about the new Corona virus, Covid-19, and understandably so. There are a few guidelines you can follow to help protect yourself and others. You will have probably seen these before but below is a reminder including some updated additions. Also, following these guidelines can help you feel more in control of the situation and ease your anxiety.
Corona virus guidelines to protect yourself and others
Wash your hands often. Use hot soapy water, lather up your hands for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that has at least 60% alcohol especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing or whenever you have been in a public space.
Cover your cough or sneeze. Use a tissue that you can throw away and wash hands afterwards. Avoid touching your face especially eyes, nose and mouth as the virus is transmitted through the respiratory system.
Keep some social distance. Avoid shaking hands and close contact with others, especially if you fall into a high risk category.
Work from home if you can.
Only travel on public transport if you need to.
Avoid social activities. This includes going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.
Avoid any large gatherings of people.
Protect the vulnerable. Avoid visiting people with underlying health issues or the elderly.
Self Isolation of the over 70's. If you are over 70 years of age with underlying health issues the latest advice is to self isolate for the next 3 months.
Keep household surfaces clean. Use a disinfecting cleaning spray or wipes on common frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, phones, remote controls and anywhere where food is prepared. Also keep computer keyboards wiped as well as purses/wallets.
Stay home if you feel unwell. There are lots of viruses around at this time of year but if you suspect you may have the new Corona virus or feel unwell then stay at home away from others for 7 days. If your condition deteriorates then call NHS 111, do not go to the Doctors as you will spread the virus.
If you live with other people and are unwell, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms.
Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of Corona virus
Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family.
For more information and the latest advice visit www.nhs.uk or www.111nhs.uk.
By adopting the above behaviours during the Covid-19 epidemic you will be doing the best you can to protect yourself those around you.
How to reduce anxiety over Corona Virus
As Covid-19 continues to spread and we are constantly inundated with updates on the latest death tolls and fearful images from around the world you will most likely feel scared, worried, anxious and even overwhelmed. Please bear in mind the following to help manage your anxiety levels:
Keep it in perspective. Initial data on the virus shows that seasonal flu has already caused many more deaths worldwide so far this year than Covid-19. There is also a high recovery rate for most people from this new virus.
Assess your own personal risk. Take a pro-active role by figuring out your own personal risk to help reduce a sense of helplessness. Check if there have been any confirmed positive or possible cases of the virus in your community, whether you've been exposed to anyone who's been ill recently, and whether you are in a higher risk category due to your age, immune problems or existing health issues.
Be prepared but avoid panic. Follow common-sense measures as already mentioned above. Also try to keep yourself in good health so that your immune system is functioning optimally. Simple practices like eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maybe taking supplements, exercising regularly, spending time in nature, getting adequate sleep, and using relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
Practice mindfulness techniques. Our minds are wired towards looking to potential threats in order to protect us and are good at predicting the worst case scenario. When you find yourself being swept up in worrying thoughts of what could happen, remember this tendency to over-estimate a bad outcome. Try practicing mindfulness by acknowledge the worrying thoughts without judgement and refocusing your mind on the present moment. Starting a formal mindfulness meditation practice can help you develop the skills to do this. More information available on mindfulness at www.Lincsholisticwellness.com/mindfulness
Avoid spending too much time on virus news. Resist the urge to obsessively read and listen to virus updates as this isn't going to help your anxiety levels. Instead Keep track of possible outbreaks in your own region by reading trusted local newspapers or listening to local radio stations, which are likely getting all of their information from other reputable source, rather than social media.
Take responsibility for your health and wellness
Taking responsibility for how you live your life whilst also focusing on the bigger picture outside of the current Corona virus epidemic can go a long way in helping you maintain your health and wellbeing and deal with unavoidable anxiety.
People tend to underestimate how well they will cope and adjust to difficult situations. You are more resilient than you think.
Stay safe and virus free!
Sharon K
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Reiki and Crystal Reiki Master/Teacher
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