In December 2019, the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in China. What started as ordinary news would later hit the world with a bang. Earlier in 2020, the WHO declared the disease a pandemic. With the number of people succumbing to the disease, testing positive for the COVID-19 can sound scary.
Getting the virus is itself worrying, and if not careful, you may succumb to stress and anxiety.
Here are some ideas on how you can manage stress and anxiety while recovering.
Get some good sleep
When you test positive for the virus, the WHO recommends that you isolate yourself from the rest of the people. Staying alone can feel stressful, primarily if you are used to people around you, both at work and at home.
However, for the sake of those you care about, it will help if you isolate yourself for the stated days. As health experts often say, you should use this time to get some good sleep you have been missing. Sleep is good for a sick person. While sleeping, you get to relax your body and mind, hence less stress. Besides, with the virus in you, you might have little energy to do anything.
Get proper medication
Recently, the number of people recovering from the virus has continued to shoot, indicating that COVID-19 is easily manageable. With the proper treatment, you should test negative within the shortest time possible.
When it comes to the medication, the doctors will administer the correct medication to deal with the system. With the convenient Family Medical Centres near, you shouldn’t feel stressed about accessing your medication. When you feel like the drug isn’t working right, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult with your doctor. The communication can quickly be done online, and your doctor will be more than willing to change the medication where possible.
Catch up with your favourite film series
When was the last time you watched your favourite series from the beginning to the end? If you are like most of us, it takes even months to complete a single film show with busy schedules.
While in quarantine, you can make Netflix and other film platforms your buddies. Watching a good film keeps your mind occupied while taking away your worries. With a good film, you may not even realize how the quarantine period will end.
Change your mindset
Whenever the results for COVID-19 come out positive, there is always this thought of what you will be missing while in quarantine, from your family to your colleagues at work. If you focus more on what you will be missing, the quarantine period can feel stressful.
As doctors often say, it’s essential to focus more on healing. You should change your mindset and try to relax about what you are missing. You should know that stress can go a long way to reducing your immune system. So, it would help if you tried meditating or yoga to help shift and relax your mind for better healing.
Get cosy
We’ve all come across individuals who have referred to the quarantine period as a short holiday. Yes, that’s how it should be for fast healing. Whenever you test positive for the virus, you should grab the opportunity to create a nest for yourself. Get some cosy pyjamas, and immerse yourself in the softest material you have. Put your feet up and commit yourself to relax as possible. When relaxed and watching your favourite film, your body gets the relaxation needed for better healing.
Don’t shut yourself from the outside world
Coronavirus is easily transmittable and can catch anyone. So, when you test positive for the virus and head for quarantine, it will help if you keep tabs with the outside world. Chat, call and video call your friends and family out there.
Through communication, you will stay posted on everything and worry about what you might be missing. Besides, when talking to those close to you, you get to open up and share your worries hence less stress during the period. Some words of encouragement are also necessary at this time, and they can only come from colleagues, friends, and family.
Don’t miss your meals
Your body needs the energy to fight the virus. Therefore, when the results test positive, this shouldn’t be the time that you miss your breakfast or lunch. Always ensure that your stomach is full to ease the recovery. When you eat a balanced diet, you help reduce stress as your body and mind will feel nourished.
Takeaway
There is nothing as scary as your results for COVID-19 come out positive. However, that shouldn’t stress you, now that the virus is easily treatable. Mentioned in this blog are ways you can help manage stress and anxiety during your quarantine. Read through and borrow an idea on how you can undergo the process with less pressure.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
