Taking care of your health and mental well being during A Pandemic

1. Taking care of your health and mental well being during APandemic • Since it outbreak in early 2020, the novel coronavirus has spread all around the world. • However, efforts are being taken to limit it spread and treat those infected. • However, the pandemic has also caused a widespread sense of fear and concern among people. • Both the outbreak and the measures against it like quarantine, etc. can cause stress. • As different people respond differently during such times, managing stress and other corresponding issues can be tricky. • However, by following certain tips, the disease and the stress it causes can be managed. • These tips include not inflating the risk, taking precautions, taking a break from digital media sources, and using tried and tested skills to cope. • As an added measure of protection, you can look into health insurance options will provide you a safety net should you need one

2. Since its outbreak in early 2020, the novel coronavirus has spread in almost all parts of the world. Amidst the various efforts by governments and healthcare professionals, the physical risk is being dealt with the best it can be. Moreover, coverage for medical expenses of the disease is available through various medical insurance plans. However, the pandemic has induced a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern among people. Most governments around the world have imposed a quarantine, and rightly so. However, it affects usual activities, routines, or livelihoods. Moreover, it can give rise to higher levels of loneliness, depression and other worries. Hence, in regions heavily affected around the world, access to necessary services for people with developing or existing mental health conditions are being seen as a major concern. Let’s look more into what the problem can be:

3. Outbreaks can be stressful • Outbreaks of illnesses like COVID-19 can induce high levels of stressamong people. • This stress can lead to fear and anxiety, which in turn, can cause a strong sense of • being overwhelmed in both adults and children. Hence, coping with stress becomes • important in order to make yourself, your close ones, and your community stronger. • Here are some of the effects that stress can have during time like these: • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones • Changes in sleep or eating patterns • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating • Other health relates issues • Mental well being getting effecteds

4. What can be done? At troubling times like these, issues like stress, anxiety, etc. are ones that need to be managed. Doing so can help an individual suffering from these conditions. Moreover, it can also make it easier for planning and executing proper measures against the spread of the virus. Hence, here a few tips to help if you are feeling overwhelmed or fearful about an outbreak:

5. Don’t inflate the risk • Many mental health experts believe that our minds have a fixed reaction to situations like these. If we are dealing anything scary or unknown, many of us are used to inflating the risk of it actually happening to us. It can be described as a built-in fight- or- flight response, which may not be always be the right decision. Hence, the best thing to do so is to look for authentic sources of information and follow instructions given properly.

6. Take normal, healthy precautions • The novel coronavirus can spread through everyday contact, precisely through coughing or sneezing. Hence, it is better to follow lockdowns imposed by authorities and staying home. Whether you are sick or not, avoid close contact with any person that may be. Moreover, engage in healthy habits like washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, etc.

7. Avoid over-consumption of media While it is important to stay updated in times like these, too much of something good can be bad for you. As COVID-19 is the major point of conversation in public sources of information, it can get overwhelming at times. Hence, you should keep your consumption of media about the outbreak in check. Scientists and public health officials all over the world are conducting research to better understand the virus and find new ways to limit its impact. The best thing to do right now would be trust in their work and efforts.

8. Use your past coping skills • If you have a history of mental health issues, use methods that have worked in the past to help manage anxious feelings. Whether it is engaging in self-talk, replacing irrational thoughts,or thinking of fact-based responses, if it has worked in the past it may work again.If you feel you require help, talk to a family member/friend or seek medical help. • You should remember that outbreaks like this have happened time to time • throughout the world and have been dealt with. While they can be very scary, you do not have to go through it alone. As an added precaution, you can look for health insurance options, one, that offers a comprehensive cover to you and your family.

9. Thank You