Tips From Our Psychologist I Home Guide Through Uncertainty

by | 2020年2月11日 | ELG Highlights, For Parents, For Students, Tips | 0 comments

With all that is going on right now, we understand if you might be feeling some level of anxiety and stress – that’s completely normal.

Whether you are in China or elsewhere, let’s remember that this too shall pass! In times of uncertainty, Dr. Davy Guo would like to share some helpful tips to overcoming such negative feelings. 

Uncertainty is a part of human existence. It affects us socially, emotionally and psychologically. Challenging and frustrating as it is, it is inevitable. The recent coronavirus outbreak is one such example. For many, our immediate concern may not be combating the disease or recovering from it, but facing our worries of what will happen next, when it will be over, or whether we are doing enough to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Even when the virus outbreak is eventually over, there might still be questions of ‘will it come back?’ and ‘will there be something even worse?’ This uncertainty is making us restless, paranoid and plainly stated, fearful. 

Uncertainty is a part of human existence. It affects us socially, emotionally and psychologically. Challenging and frustrating as it is, it is inevitable. The recent coronavirus outbreak is one such example. For many, our immediate concern may not be combating the disease or recovering from it, but facing our worries of what will happen next, when it will be over, or whether we are doing enough to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Even when the virus outbreak is eventually over, there might still be questions of ‘will it come back?’ and ‘will there be something even worse?’ This uncertainty is making us restless, paranoid and plainly stated, fearful. 

1. Stay Away From Rumors

As much as we want to stay abreast of the latest developments on the outbreak, the information available online may not always be reliable. Ask yourselves a simple question: “After spending hours of browsing and reading all these articles and postings on WeChat, do you feel reassured or even more worried?” If your answer is the latter, then choose to get your news from a limited number of trusted sources and switch your attention to something else after. More information is not necessarily better. Rumors can only spread panic.

2. Speak Up About Your Concerns

This is a trying time for the most of us. However, adversity is often the best way to bring us together. Worry, fear, frustration and even anger that arise due to uncertainty are a natural part of human psychology. Ignoring and suppressing them will not make them go away. Your body is not made to hold such negative emotions in! Having a safe and supportive channel to talk about these concerns is essential. Give yourself the permission to share with your loved ones how you feel about what is happening. Be sure to also encourage your loved ones to share their concerns without judging them too. We can support each other through this.

3.Keep A Routine

Without routine we often feel lost and directionless. Re-establishing a routine can be first step to regain some sense of control. It is important to have quality sleep. This means adopting a regular sleep schedule according to our biological clock – avoiding going to bed too late, waking up too late, and having naps during the day, since it might affect our night’s sleep. As a family, you can decide intentionally when to get up, when to have meals and when to go to bed.

4.Enjoy The Extra Family Time

You may not want to go outside, but there are things to do at home as well. Instead of seeing it as being stuck under the same roof, it is a fantastic opportunity for family bonding! Find something to do together, for instance create something meaningful (like submitting an entry to our art competition, doing something nice for the hardworking delivery guy, or writing a Love Letter to Shanghai. You could also cook together, clean together, play some family games or even make a sensory bottle. This is simply a good time to catch up with each other, dust off some old photo albums and reminisce of fond memories. We are not just getting through. We are becoming closer.

5.Keep Healthy

When you are physically healthier, you also feel better emotionally. That’s why maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also key. We need to have a healthy diet of balanced macro nutrients and sufficient vitamin intake. Getting active also helps. Even though outdoor activity is limited, there are plenty exercise you can do at home – from jumping jacks, water bottle weights, to dancing! Check out our latest post for ‘Some Tips for You to Stay Healthy at Home Against Coronavirus!’ Finally, integrate this healthy lifestyle into your daily routine and carry it out as a family. 
The coronavirus will be over sooner or later. How it develops, for the most part, is not something you and I can control. However, we do have a choice to make. We can choose to allow uncertainty to fill our minds or choose to focus on the things we can do, to become happier, healthier and stronger!
Remember, this too shall pass, and we will make it through together.