COPING WITH THE COVID ANXIETY

COVID-19 has left us shattered, bone-weary, its frightening time, It’s vital to stay informed, particularly about what’s happening in your community, so you can follow advised safety precautions and do your part to slow the spread of coronavirus. But there’s a lot of misinformation going around, as well as sensationalistic coverage that only feeds into fear. It’s important to be discerning about what you read and watch.

Now let us see what COVID-19 has created over the world other than deaths (all gathered from internet and news agencies nothing manufactured by me..this disclaimer is for all judgmental people)

• DIVORCE CASES ARE RISING LIKE ANYTHING :

This is what MSN wrote:

Divorce cases rise in China as couples spend too much time together during coronavirus home quarantine

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/divorce-cases-rise-in-china-as-couples-spend-too-much-time-together-during-coronavirus-home-quarantine/ar-BB11gXnQ

So Corona virus has helped many couples in getting divorce which they were thinking of all these years but couldnt decide or muster courage to do it and thereby helping the Divorce lawyers minting money (Joking..dont take my words seriously)

• WORK FROM HOME HAS INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND KILLED WORK LIFE BALANCE:

This is what Bloomberg wrote :

Three Hours Longer, the Pandemic Workday Has Obliterated Work-Life Balance

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-23/working-from-home-in-covid-era-means-three-more-hours-on-the-job

Corporates have encouraged work from home pre-covid times as well and now its necessity. The results of the WFH is productivity has increased and employees are putting in 3 hours more than their Normal routine. Even i have failed to make out the difference between weekday and weekend.

• AIR POLLUTION REDUCED DRAMATICALLY

Air just got cleaner

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/23/coronavirus-photos-show-effect-of-air-pollution-drops-from-global-lockdown.html

Photos show impact of temporary air pollution drops across the world from coronavirus lockdown

• Air pollution has dropped to unprecedented levels across the world as major cities and countries impose lockdown measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 
• As humans stay inside, the environment is temporarily changing: wild animals are roaming the streets and some typically smog-filled skies are clear. 
• Despite the rare glimpse of natural beauty like snow-crested mountains and clearer skylines, scientists warn against celebrating any short-term benefits from the air pollution drop as levels will rebound once global restrictions lift. 

LANGTANG RANGE SEEN FROM KATHMANDU

INDIA GATE PRE AND POST LOCKDOWN...NOTHING TO SAY YOU CAN MAKE OUT THE DIFFERENCE

THESE TWO PERSONS ARE THE MOST TRENDING AND SOUGHT AFTER :

Tedros Adhanom and Narendra Modi are the two persons whom we are looking upon and following their tweets and public statements..

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS POPULAR THAN EVER BEFORE:

• Social Media Platforms are boomimg...In the middle of a massive and growing coronavirus shutdown, social media is more important than ever. With soft quarantines in place, Facebook, Twitter, and other services are taking on an entirely new valence as the foundation for our everyday lives—a crucial conduit between families, friends, and coworkers, as well as much-needed entertainment. As we become more isolated physically, social media and the web will also have to shoulder the world’s information needs as more and more people seek timely and local information. 
• And yet the World Health Organization worries that in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, they must also combat an infodemic, which it defines as “an overabundance of information—some accurate and some not.

VIDEO CONFERENCING APP's BOOMING:

• Google Hangout, Whatsapp Group Video Calls, Zoom, Skype etc.. People are using these like anything...so we are not alone rather by maintaining social distancing we are connected..

Zoom Goes From Conferencing App to the Pandemic’s Social Network :

Read more at: https://www.bloombergquint.com/businessweek/zoom-goes-from-conferencing-app-to-the-pandemic-s-social-network

Copyright ? BloombergQuint

THINGS TO DO TO COPE WITH THE CRISIS:

• Stick to trustworthy sources such as the World Health Organization, Ministry of Health India and your local public health authorities.
• Limit how often you check for updates. Constant monitoring of news and social media feeds can quickly turn compulsive and counterproductive—fueling anxiety rather than easing it. The limit is different for everyone, so pay attention to how you’re feeling and adjust accordingly. I was too glued initially but now abstaining from the overdose.
• Step away from media if you start feeling overwhelmed. If anxiety is an ongoing issue, consider limiting your media consumption to a specific time frame and time of day (e.g. thirty minutes each evening at 6 pm). Social media platforms like Facebook are unofficial news channels they deliver news tailored for you (some of it fake) based on your behaviors and preferences gleaned over the last decade. Algorithms are used to give you the news that you will most likely consume, and that the news skewed toward your preferences. This increases bias and the propensity to start rumors that increase distress.
• Ask someone reliable to share important updates. If you’d feel better avoiding media entirely, ask someone you trust to pass along any major updates you need to know about.
• Be careful what you share. Do your best to verify information before passing it on. We all need to do our part to avoid spreading rumors and creating unnecessary panic.
• Focus on Self Care: Mentally strong people consistently use self-care and attempt to be flexible with new routines. As many gyms are closed, they may choose other exercise options while remaining socially distanced, such as running in cycler, walking and doing yoga. They prioritize things that will help them through the pandemic such as connecting with their family and friends, coupled with rest and good sleep hygiene.

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/stay-physically-active-during-self-quarantine

•  Know your personality needs: introvert vs. extrovert :Mentally strong people know themselves and what they need to feel supported. Those that are introverted focus on internal states of being and small gatherings versus external sources of stimulation (a lot of socializing). Introverts often feel drained after heavy socializing and need to recharge their energy in solitude. Conversely, extroverts gain energy from other people and enjoy many social activities. Introverts realize they may have a need to connect virtually, using Facetime, Zoom, Skype, and Google hangouts, but may do so in small groups and less often than extroverts. Both personalities may have different needs to promote well being.
• Limit toxic people : understand toxic people and behaviors and limit their time. Behaviors such as gossip, chronic lying, being demanding, being self-centered on their needs vs. yours, are quite negative and take a toll on your well being. While you may be able to tolerate some toxicity with friends, family, and colleagues during non-pandemic times, eliminating toxic energy is vital when you are in survival mode during COVID-19.

All these things are not enough but just a few points which i thought i would share, let us hope for the best and see how best we can tackle this pandemic. Life will not be the same post this pandemic but hope that we can carry forward our good habits picked up or forced to pick up during this self quarantine time and be a better person in times to come.