How can we personally deal with the Coronavirus epidemic? Apart from the hygiene and self-isolating aspect we need to take account of the high emotional toll.
At difficult times like this, we often feel compelled to seek out as much information as possible. Bombarded by the media, social and otherwise, there are huge numbers of facts to sift through, speculation to filter, friends and family to worry and care about, and to reassure. It’s all too much and we need to take time out.
Stopping and having digital-free hours or parts of the day is vital. Getting outdoors if possible and just taking in nature, things that are not changing, that are growing as usual, can do a lot to alleviate the pressure.
And, as well as reducing the information taken in, we can offload some of the burdens we are carrying. This can mean talking with loved ones or seeking professional help. But another tried and tested way is to write a journal. By hand is best as it seems to access the emotional part of your brain better than typing. Also, writing as if to somebody can make it all seem much more personal. I am writing to my mother who died last November, and telling her how pleased I am she escaped this latest disaster, and of course, how much I miss being able to talk to her about it all.