Last week, I clicked through my Instagram feed to check on friends overseas and thought I was looking at the film set of Contagion. From the UK to Australia to the US, friends in various countries were posting photos of empty supermarket shelves. I video-called my friend in London. She was down to her last three rolls of toilet paper and could not find any more. “Guess I’ll just wash instead of wipe!”, she quipped.

I felt a wave of annoyance. I thought, don’t people realise that for them to stay safe, others need to sanitise too?

However, reflecting upon the similar wave of stockpiling that I witnessed a month ago in my home country, Singapore, I realised that this was symptomatic of the wave of panic and distress caused by the pandemic. As I spoke to my friends and family around me and listened to their anxieties over the situation, I realised that the coronavirus may have an Ro of 1.5 – 3.5, but its impact on our mental health is universal. Aside from the worry directly caused by the risk that we or our loved ones may contract the virus, the influx of news belabouring our governments’ capability to manage the crisis, as well as constant updates on the death toll and spread of infection, causes the fear we feel to multiply. Watching those around us worry or panic also increases our stress levels.

Keeping our mental health in check is vital to getting through this tough period. Having a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body! Here are 4 things you can do to help alleviate the fear and stress that you may be experiencing.

1. Continue connecting - socialise and keep in touch with your friends.

Yes, you can socialise even while practising social distancing! With apps like Skype, Facetime, Whatsapp, Telegram and more, there is no reason for you to be cut off from your friends. Although it may be unwise to get together in person, you can still interact with your social circle online. Maintaining a support circle goes a long way towards taking your mind off the stressful situation.

2. Focus your attention on positive and beautiful things - use discernment and be mindful when reading the news. 

Rather than continue reading about the dire situation, consider the beautiful and wonderful things in your life. Laughter, sunshine, loved-ones… What we focus our attention on becomes our reality.

When watching the news, be aware. Some news are fake or blown out of proportion. Many news channels are painting a gloomy picture right now and being too quick to trust every morsel of information can cause us to feel extremely hopeless as we fall prey to fear mongering. Additionally, know when to take a break from reading the news. If you find yourself feeling too depressed at the current state of affairs, stop reading about it and do something more light-hearted, such as baking!   As mentioned above, focus your attention on the good, positive and beautiful.

3. Be kind to yourself - it is a choice you can make right now and several times throughout the day.

Many of us are spending most of our time at home now. Rather than constantly worrying about the pandemic, occupy your time with things you love instead! For example, try out new recipes or practice an instrument. Having a tough time working from home because your children require attention? Cut yourself some slack – it is a difficult period and we can only try our best! Do not obsess over having things exactly the same as they are at work and speak to your superiors if you are facing difficulties working from home!  Make a clear intention to be kind to yourself, every day, many times a day. 

4. Set goals and work on projects.

If you, like Ellen DeGeneres, happen to have a 4000-piece puzzle lying around your house, now is a great time to complete it! Always wanted to develop an app but do not know how to? If you are working or schooling from home, there are many online courses that you can participate in using the time that you now save on commuting. Holed up at home on the weekends after cancelling all your plans? Try learning a new language! Such activities cut through the mundanity that social distancing can bring and brighten our days.

To be healthy, we must look after both our physical and mental well-being. Amidst the surrounding tension and fear, we must learn to find our own sanctuary.