4 tips to help cope with COVID19 stress

The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for many people across the globe and it is increasing fear and anxiety among adults and children. Furthermore, public health initiatives such as social distancing can make people feel very lonely. Although these actions are crucial to reduce the spread of COVID-19, coping with stress in a healthy manner will make communities stronger.

Here are our 4 tips to help you if you are worried about the pandemic:

1. Communicate with people

Stay in touch and communicate with people by phone, video calls and social media. It is important that you maintain healthy relationships to support mental wellbeing. With people you trust, talk about your worries or even try to help others who are also suffering from stress.

2. Be prepared and know the facts

Closely monitor COVID-19 news and updates from trustworthy sources such as the World Health Organisation, Department of Disease Control Thailand, and major news outlets. Here’s a link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs COVID-19 daily briefings (English language): MFA CCSA YouTube Playlist.

If you are reading pandemic related articles from social media channels, do watch out for disinformation and misinformation and be critical of all the articles you read.

3. Focus on your health

It is important that you stay physically fit by exercising while self-isolating at home. There are various home exercises that you can do without the need for gym facilities.

It is additionally necessary to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep up good sleep hygiene practices.

4. Do things you enjoy

Try to focus on your favorite hobbies and interests, and try to adapt them to your home environment. Or perhaps try something new! There are lots of free online tutorials, courses, quizzes and games, and get-togethers that are available.

For students and staff at St Teresa International University that are experiencing anxiety, we recommend that you reach out to us via email ([email protected], [email protected]) or phone (037-349-933).