UAE: How To Deal With Stress During This Pandemic?
With a global increase in levels of stress and anxiety, the COVID-19 epidemic has put mental wellbeing at the forefront. The initial shock time is over, according to Dr. Khawla Ahmed Al Mir, Consultant Psychiatrist at Rashid Hospital, “and we are obviously in the transition process, which is extremely necessary because we need to learn to deal with the new realities, we need to change to remain mentally fit.” Adaptability is a crucial attribute that allows you to manage life’s ups and downs. Around the same time, with a case like COVID-19, it ensures that you still take all procedures to ensure that you remain healthy and protect your loved ones to the best of your abilities as you transition to the new standard.
This simply means that you are not in ignorance of the circumstances and that you do whatever you can while acknowledging that an ongoing pandemic is taking place. Mir added that it is necessary to adhere to schedules and timetables in order to promote mental wellbeing without being too strict, but at the same time, not allowing a very flexible schedule to get in the way of everyday activities. There’s a new normal situation we need to learn to deal in. Especially because it requires daily exercise, it is better to adhere to a regimen as much as possible, since exercise is an established and tested stress buster; it helps release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones.
Mir added: “Those who do not exercise, I strongly urge them to take up an activity, it could be simple exercises for 30 minutes on the mat or a walk outside now that the weather is cooler. Connecting with nature is therapeutic in many ways so combine spending time outdoors with exercise, but of course make sure you wear a mask and follow all precautionary measures in line with governmental regulations.” She also urged members of the society who can’t deal with the tension to seek psychiatric support. “In a situation like this, any degree of stress is natural, but if the stress level approaches unmanageable heights for long stretches of time where, for example , you can’t get out of bed or do everyday activities feel like a challenge or you face constant suicidal thoughts, it’s time to seek clinical assistance and support.”
Instead of seeking to avoid or combat it, Mir urged individuals to set reasonable aspirations and accept the present situation to find remedies. I recognize that, in particular, parents of young children have a lot on their plate, especially if they have opted for home education. It may be useful to map out a schedule where they probably get up an hour early to finish their job or plan for busy mornings, or to split their jobs into specific time zones that may also help work for the family. In particular , women should ensure that they do not take on too much and that they have time for themselves.
They should share the assignments with their partners and other members of the family. If their kids are old enough, they can encourage them by allowing them to take on any home duties, but they need to ensure that it is safe and age-appropriate, of course. “On weekends while there are several things that need to completed, parents should find some quite time for themselves, even if it is for a short while.” The new scenario often presents pressures, such as work instability, that can not be altered. It is important to note that we can reflect only on the problems we can affect and that we should not worry problems outside our control.
Although it is important to stop abrupt losses with any amount of forward preparation and strategizing, overthinking is certainly not beneficial to the mind. I truly agree that to a significant degree, our behaviors characterize us such that we adhere to behaviors and rituals that will assist you and your family and do them faithfully. If you’re not harsh on yourself, if you slack, get back on track. Finally, even if it is for 15 minutes, it is important to participate in calming down exercises such as yoga , meditation or journaling and practice it everyday. Your mind is the pillar of health and well-being, and it takes time to preserve and cultivate it.
