In this article, we will discuss the effect of stress and anxiety in the crisis periods. In fact, when COVID-19 emerges in China, the rest of the world watched the epidemic from afar. But, as soon as this virus has managed to cross all borders and spread in almost all countries, the risk becomes reality. As a result, people are found obliged to stay home. So, quarantine engenders in people the feeling of boredom and stress.
Stress and anxiety get worse during the coronavirus
As the coronavirus crisis started to worsen, its aftermath began to appear more and more and affect citizens’ psyche. This is due to the global health emergency and the imposition of quarantine on people around the world. In addition, the increasing number of infections in parallel with deaths have a negative impact on people’s psyche.
Experts confirm that stress can increase infection with the coronavirus. This is because stress can decrease one’s immune system. Thus, the current situation obliges us all to take into consideration our mental health. It is, therefore, necessary to combat exposure to any form of stress, anxiety or depression; the latter can happen when people stay at home and constantly think about the disease.
At face value, individuals may face forms of disturbances such as lack of reliable information, frustration, isolation, doubt, and fear. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), people in quarantine are likely to experience psychological distress; most of them can improve their condition over time.
A number of lessons to be elicited from this pandemic
As media becomes cramped with negative news about the virus, most of us suffer from anxiety and frustration. Despite all, the coronavirus crisis also has advantages: Here is a list.
1- Recognition of basic trades
After the virus turned into a pandemic that swept the world, all non-essential services were closed. As a result, people discovered that the basic occupations in society were not necessarily the occupations in which they believed. In fact, the first lesson that we can get from this pandemic is the important role of commercial services. We learned from the coronavirus crisis the importance of vendors, doctors, and civic authorities. What seems surprising is that the factor common to these professions is their low salary, although essential to society. Certainly, the Corona crisis can lead to a social and material appreciation of these professions.
2- Enjoy calmness and simplicity
During the COVID-19 crisis, many people lost their sources of income. This has forced many countries to adopt economic plans to help those affected overcome this situation. In contrast, home isolation has certain advantages. First, it is to prevent the virus. Second, it is to avoid stress and tension caused by work or school. Third, isolation brings a little peace to people’s lives, as it has allowed them to get away from everyday stress. In addition, it provides others with the opportunity to discover some of their hidden talents. In fact, experts believe that boredom could spur some to innovate. People who get bored with the household routine can discover the talent for cooking, drawing or designing things.
People have learnt how to live calmly and simply; in fact, they are now able to cook at home using vegetables, serials, herbs and spices. They stay at home and spend the majority of their time with their kids. They learnt how to fight boredom and make out of it something innovative.
3- The importance of nature
Most of us do not feel the importance of nature; this is because we cross beautiful views every day that do not interest us. However, in the midst of quarantine, many yearn for the sun, fresh air, or the shade of trees. We have never given great importance to nature in terms of contemplation and exploitation. Before coronavirus, people were astray and careless of spending their weekends in the open space alongside their kids.
In the midst of this quarantine, people are banned from visiting each other; therefore, this obligatory isolation coerces us to disconnect ourselves from the outside (nature, friends and, work). Seeing our friends becomes quite impossible except through a video call. People used to go to their jobs, work, and see each other. But now they do not anymore.
In nature, we can go camping, or sometimes we can do sport. Sport in the open is very healthy, for it allows a daily sufficient oxygen intake. It wards off stress and anxiety and keeps our immune system stronger. Now, in this viral crisis, we must have our immune system strong. This is important so as to be able to confront this virus.
Conclusion on the stress and anxiety in the crisis periods
The coronavirus has learnt us a number of lessons that we should bear in our minds. First, we have to recognize the advantages of working and practising the activities of life easily. Second, we have to know how to manage stress and anxiety against the threat of this viral disease.
