How to Manage Uncertainty While the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and coming about lockdown might be causing a lot of stress and frustration for some individuals.

Accordingly, the situation may start to affect almost every part of contemporary life negatively, and individuals may find it hard to achieve a sense of normality.

In this article, we give tips on how an individual can deal with the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We include prevention tips, as well as recommendations for how to keep up good mental and physical wellbeing.

Coronavirus prevention

To help stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, individuals can practice a few preventive measures.

Hand washing

Hand washing is an example of the most reliable approaches to prevent the spread of illness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress the significance of washing the hands after investing time in a public space or before contacting the face.

For handwashing to be effective, the CDC recommends washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If that is not probable, an individual can utilize an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Face touching

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that individuals abstain from contacting their eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent virus transmission.

To help abstain from contacting the face, individuals can try:

• Utilizing a scented hand cleanser, lotion, or sanitizer

• Wearing a face mask or gloves

Face masks

Wearing a face mask may help moderate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

The CDC suggests wearing a face mask or cloth face covering when out openly in a spot where it might be hard to keep up other preventive measures. They additionally state that individuals should wear face cloth covers regardless of whether they are not indicating any symptoms of COVID-19.

However, the WHO doesn't, as of now, support the regular utilization of face masks because of the possible risk and an absence of proof to help their effectiveness. They encourage individuals to wear one when taking care of a person with COVID-19, though.

Managing mental health during the lockdown

As the novel coronavirus keeps on affecting the world, it is progressively critical to take mental wellbeing.

A 2020 report surveying the wellbeing of 369 adults living in 64 cities across China after one month of restriction recognized an example of worse mental and physical wellbeing among the individuals who stop working. Another study in Italy reported that being in lockdown may prompt a lower quality of sleep.

A few analysts are also stressed over the expected increment in suicide rates because of the physical distancing measures that the pandemic has required.

Individuals can take many ways to help take care of their mental health and improve their wellbeing. These may include:

Routine

Individuals can try to make a daily schedule to safeguard a sense of purpose and normality.

For some individuals, this may include planning regular times to wake up, eat meals, perform activities, and sleep. Individuals should try to mimic a "normal" day admirably well. By organizing their day, an individual should have the option to keep themselves busy and active.

Less social media and news

While it is imperative to keep up to date with news, an excess of exposure may compound feelings of fear, stress, and sadness. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends confining news to a sensible breaking point.

The APA also suggests that individuals cautiously select the media sources that they use to look for information. An individual should also only get updates from legitimate wellsprings of data and know that social media posts might be misleading.

Healthful lifestyle

During the current circumstance, individuals who presently have additional time in the day may wish to utilize it to introduce healthful habits. For example, they can concentrate on getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and exercising regularly. A few people may also have the option to seek after hobbies or exercises for which they don't usually have time.

It is also significant for individuals to try to abstain from growing bad habits during this time. A few people might be enticed to discover comfort in smoking more and devouring excessive food or alcohol. However, these habits can negatively affect wellbeing and may result in individuals developing wellbeing conditions.

Maintaining relationships

During this troublesome time, it is essential to keep up with social relationships. Conversing with loved ones consistently may help decrease feelings of isolation and help individuals manage anxiety.

Individuals can keep in contact through video calls, calls, messages, or emails. In certain regions, the official guidance may allow individuals to meet others face-to-face if they hold fast to physical distancing measures.

A sense of control

As the pandemic may feel overwhelming for some individuals, it is significant for them to try to increase their sense of control and their capacity to endure stressful circumstances.

An individual should try to acknowledge conditions that they can't change and instead focus on how they can take to help decrease anxiety.

Managing physical health during the lockdown

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest that adults do at least 150–300 minutes per seven-day stretch of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes per seven days stretch of vivacious power vigorous exercise for substantial health advantages. As well as improving physical wellbeing, exercise may improve psychological health and boost the immune system.

A few exercises that individuals might have the option to perform during the pandemic include:

Cycling: As long as they stay safe from others, an individual may appreciate going outside and cycling. A stationary bike additionally gives the alternative to cycle without leaving home.

Online classes: An individual can locate various online videos or live classes for different exercises. These may help individuals with structuring an exercise program and give some social interaction.

Walking or jogging: Both walking and jogging are straightforward exercises that individuals can do during the pandemic. Individuals who can't locate a protected spot outside where they can keep up their distance can go at walking around their home and jogging on the spot.

Yoga: Yoga is a type of exercise, including slow movements and profound breathing that can ease physical tension as well as help relieve stress.

Weightlifting: An individual can also perform weightlifting without the requirement for gym equipment. If they don't have weights at home, they can substitute different items, for example, heavy cans or books.

Bodyweight works out: An individual doesn't require costly gym equipment to remain active. They can rather play out a scope of exercise utilizing their body weight.

When to contact a doctor

It is significant for an individual to contact a doctor if they create symptoms of COVID-19.

As indicated by the CDC, symptoms seem 2–14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Potential signs of COVID-19 include:

• Chills

• Fever

• Muscle or body aches

• New loss of taste or smell

• A migraine

• A sore throat

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Looseness of the bowels

• Blockage or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

Summary

The current COVID-19 pandemic might be causing a lot of stress for some individuals. Fear and anxiety encompassing COVID-19 may feel overwhelming and cause intense feelings.

During these uncertain conditions, it is critical to concentrate on keeping up good mental and physical wellbeing. It might also be a decent ideal time to endeavor to set up a daily routine and healthy habits.

Individuals should keep on following preventive measures, for example, hand washing and physical distancing. These techniques can help protect individuals from the coronavirus.