Are You Home Alone with Coronavirus

It’s everywhere – Corona Virus bringing us uncertainty, fear and feeling a lack control of the situation. All of these feelings can cause real anxiety .Worry and concern are normal reactions in this situation but anxiety is often a reaction not based on logic .It shows in our bodies as a tightness in our chest , sweaty hands , shallow breathing , headaches ,restlessness , sick tummy, an ongoing sense of undefined dread and even sleep problems

To manage anxiety during this period, start with your breathing. The 478 Breath if practised two to three times a day can calm the body and mind. The bottom line is that controlling your breath is a first line to cope with anxiety, put simply your out breath must be twice as long as your inhalation. If feeling very anxious try Progressive Muscle Relaxation for 15 minutes.

Anxiety is a primal reaction to what we see as life threatening danger – fight or flight. It kept us alive a few thousand years ago but we are no longer fighting bears alone – we have support. The corona virus is abstract and ‘out there ‘, so we lack direct control and we react in this fight or flight – a fear sometimes out of sync with the reality. So, calm the body and breath daily during this period to manage this reaction.

Our thoughts also cause anxiety – when isolated or working from home you may notice your thoughts are based on what might, could, probably and possibly will happen, all of which are future predictions. Create a healthier present tense thought . Change: I can’t leave the house as I will probably get the Virus to a less anxious : If I follow the advice given and am careful I can go out for short periods. It is important to remember how we think directly effects our bodily reactions.

All of us should look after our breathing, body and thoughts to help protect against anxiety during this period and most importantly take each day at a time.

References in text:

https://youtu.be/737vA-okV5E 478 Breathing

https://youtu.be/_-C_VNM1Vd0 478 Breathing

https://youtu.be/pyxvL1O2duk Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Breda Dooley

086 8598792

www.bredadooleypsychology.com