Five Ways to Stay Calm during the Covid-19 Outbreak

Clarify sources of news and don’t get terrified by fake news

A wave of terror has washed over citizens of Malaysia as the confirmed cases of Covid-19 has been increasing exponentially. However, the spread of fake news through social media worsens the situation as it causes unnecessary panic. Nowadays, WhatsApp, Facebook,

Twitter and other social media platforms have been bombarded with exaggerated descriptions regarding the current situation, inflicting fear on our nation. However, we can combat fake news by verifying them with reliable sources such as Sebenarnya.my and the official site of the Ministry of Health Malaysia. It is crucial to remain calm when you see overwhelming news from social media, as panicking will not aid anything in this unprecedented period.

Stay connected with friends and family

The significance of maintaining connections with your loved ones is indisputable throughout this hard time. Exchanging text messages to care for one another harness a sense of togetherness in the wake of the pandemic. Although we are deprived of the will to meet up physically during the Movement Control Order (MCO), but practising social distancing does not mean that we have to cut off from the outside world. We can still keep in touch with our friends and family virtually through voice calls, video calls and many other alternatives. In this way, we can satisfy our social needs and stay calm even in the midst of adversity.

Stay productive

Whether you are working or studying from home, staying productive helps to keep your mind off negative thoughts. It gives purpose and direction to your everyday life. Utilising your time well during the MCO empowers us to keep moving on with life while conquering the pandemic. Coping with the new stay-at-home lifestyle could seem irksome and restrictive, but technology has made the impossible, possible in many ways.

Exercise regularly

Although marathons were cancelled, gyms, public sports facilities and recreational areas were closed, it’s still possible to live up a healthy lifestyle by exercising at home. It may be as simple as doing stretching exercises. Moreover, there are tons of online videos demonstrating the correct techniques for workouts on YouTube. Through any form of exercise, our mood will be alleviated, body relieved and reenergised. As long as we are determined to spend some time to exercise at home every day, we won’t feel that restless or distressed.

Practise hobbies

From a positive perspective, staying at home means that we will have more free time. Hence, we have the golden opportunity to pick up old hobbies like gardening, playing instruments or cooking. Besides, reading, watching Netflix or scrolling through social media gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. Therefore, practising hobbies can be a viable solution to the boredom that we experience at some point. Instead of feeling hopeless, vulnerable or helpless about what is out of our control, let us focus on doing things that we love and spread positivity to the people around us.