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Valerie Taylor-Walker
Valerie Taylor-Walker • Mar 08, 2020
Why thinking about the coronavirus can make us ill
The coronavirus is all people are talking about at the moment. The constant reporting of it and its surrounding uncertainty is causing panic buying, stockpiling and a great deal of stress and anxiety not only in the UK but across the world.
There is a lot about the coronavirus that scientists are saying they don’t know and when situations appear unpredictable it is not unusual for people to think the worse.
Thinking of the worst-case scenario, however, can be harmful in itself. If allowed to continue, it can have a negative impact on our physical health and mental well being. It can stop us going out, meeting friends and simply enjoying life. It might make us more likely to resort to smoking or drinking alcohol in excess.
The stress hormones which are released to enable us to deal with a potentially dangerous situation can, if the situation is prolonged, increase our blood pressure, affect our appetite and digestion, cause sleep problems and lower our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. So perhaps it could be argued that constantly worrying about the coronavirus could potentially increase our risk of catching it?
So what can we do?
- Firstly, preventative measures are of course important. We should all wash our hands regularly and cover our nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid mixing with people, especially vulnerable people, if feeling unwell and call the doctor or NHS 111 if your symptoms get worse. These are all normal, sensible precautions that we should be following with any infectious disease.
- Focus on the positive. Search for some pleasant news in the media or on the internet, watch a funny film or tv programme or listen to some enjoyable music. All these things help to release helpful hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which can boost your immune system and improve your mood.
- Every now and then check how you are thinking. If they are negative thoughts, try to change them to something more positive.
- Say something nice to someone and to yourself, give a compliment to a stranger, do something helpful for someone.
- Take a 10 or 20 minute walk every day or go to the gym to release any tension and improve your health
- Be mindful of what you are eating and enjoy each mouthful
- Take a few minutes to deep breathe. Breathe in through the nose and breathe out twice as slowly. Repeat this five or 6 times or until you feel more relaxed.
- Keep conversations positive. Negative talk tends to encourage others to think and feel negative. If someone asks how you are, say you are great.
- Count to 10 before panic buying. Think about those who might really need these products right now.
- Have empathy and give support to those who are ill or currently suffering.
- Bring your focus to the here and now. Be in the moment.
- And finally, remember to use your commonsense. We all have it, but it can easily get swept away.
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