Coronaviris Staying Calm & Staying Safe

Staying Calm & Staying Safe

When the media start to use words such as “pandemic,” people quite rightly become anxious. Whilst there is some real concern about this latest virus, do remember that these stories sell newspapers, and the further panic simply serves to fuel the fear, resulting in our economy taking a dive and the FTSE 100 dipping to its lowest level in four years, yesterday.

It’s understandable and scary when we are told that people have died and that we don’t yet have a preventative vaccine for the Covid-19, it’s technical name - but don’t forget, we are exposed to hundreds of pathogens everyday – fungi and parasites or bacterial and viral. Exposure doesn’t necessarily mean we will get it, especially if we have a healthy and strong immune system.

So, let’s talk about your immune system. Are you holding a grudge from the past? or, are you anxious about your future finances? Daily worry and chronic emotional stress can considerably weaken the immune system. Remember a time when you felt butterflies in your stomach - before a date or interview? This is an aspect of the mind-body connection which is scientifically proven and definitely not a myth. In short, the body feels the emotion you are experiencing. If you constantly worry, it’s now understood by mainstream scientists that you set the stage for stress hormones to supress your immunity, making you more susceptible to infection and disease.

What can you do to stay safe?

Good hygiene and washing your hands when you get home and before eating are very important. If you touch your face, nose and mouth a lot, make sure hands are clean. Avoid sharing a crisp packet or snacks in a bowl where other fingers have been. Sneezing or coughing into a disposable tissue will help prevent this spreading. Clean surfaces at home and work including devices that you touch frequently. Get lots of sleep, eat a balanced diet and get some exercise and fresh air to stay physically fit and healthy.

If you are stuck at home because you are unwell, or because your school or workplace has closed in order to prevent the further spread of this virus, then make sure you have all the basic needs at home like meds and water and be prepared to perhaps work remotely for a while. Follow official advice if going abroad and accept these temporary adjustments of doing things differently - including changes in how the NHS may want to deal with treating patients.

Whilst these external suggestions are important to stay safe, it’s vital to take a longer look at your daily lifestyle, cut down on stress, and stop overloading your nervous systems. Your internal mental wellbeing is vital to a strong immunity, so learn to relax by doing breathing exercises, dance classes, meditation or yoga. Use positive affirmations, NLP and Hypnotherapy to create a more positive mindset and deal with fears. If you are housebound, you can still consider online ‘laughing – yoga’, or The Soothing Stress and Relaxation Session via skype to stay mindful and peaceful. Don’t forget self-love and appreciation.

Stay optimistic as the world has never been in a better position to deal with infectious disease with organisations like ‘Cepi’ created to rapidly respond to outbreaks. Finally, remember that the beliefs you hold about yourself and your world, will always have a significant impact on your mental and physical wellbeing.