{"id":258099,"date":"2020-05-22T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-22T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/258099\/dont-let-worrying-about-covid-19-take-over-your-life\/"},"modified":"2020-05-21T17:58:34","modified_gmt":"2020-05-21T15:58:34","slug":"dont-let-worrying-about-covid-19-take-over-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2020\/05\/22\/dont-let-worrying-about-covid-19-take-over-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t let worrying about Covid-19 take over your life"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is easy to become preoccupied with Covid-19 amid constant reminders of the pandemic, and many people are experiencing feelings of uneasiness, dread or distress.<\/p>\n

The evolutionary role of anxiety, which is the body\u2019s physical reaction to stress, provides insight into why this can feel so overwhelming at times.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

\u201cThe body\u2019s reaction to stress helped keep our ancestors safe and ready to respond to the physical dangers they faced such as predatory animals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile this stress can be positive and prompt us to action, it is not necessarily appropriate or proportionate to the types of perceived threats we commonly face today such as the uncertainties of life during the Covid-19 pandemic,\u201d explained Dr Marshinee Naidoo, a psychiatrist who practices at Akeso Alberton mental health facility.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

\u201cEvolution has left us with a \u2018fight or flight\u2019 response to perceived dangers, which includes the body releasing nutrients and hormones into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese hormones cause the heart to beat faster, so more oxygenated blood and energy is available to the person\u2019s muscles so that he or she is ready to either fight the threat or run away from it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

Have some virtual Zumba fun while raising funds for Hospice East Rand<\/a><\/p>\n

Making a difference to essential services workers one visor at a time<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Naidoo pointed out that this can happen very quickly, accompanied by faster breathing, increased blood pressure and anxious feelings, which may feel all-consuming and lead to disrupted concentration or sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we are anxious, our body keeps us alert and ready for any physical danger, which in certain cases may be helpful, but is not particularly constructive if we are constantly worrying about something like the pandemic and are filled with uncertainty over the future,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnxiety is an emotion that tends to seek out confirmation, which is why people who are anxious about Covid-19 may be tempted to constantly seek out news relating to the pandemic.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile at times this may feel validating, it can also intensify your anxiety, leaving you feeling helpless and overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Naidoo offers the following practical advice for coping with anxiety:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Self-awareness. Acknowledge your anxiety and understand that it is a natural yet unhelpful response to the situation, and then make a conscious effort to focus on other things.
\n\u2022 Stay in touch. Studies suggest that keeping socially connected can help us cope better with stress. Keep in touch with the people you care about through phone calls, emails, video chat or texting, not forgetting elderly family and friends, and others who may be feeling isolated.
\n\u2022 Manage stress throughout your day. Incorporate yoga, exercise, meditation and breathing techniques into your routine. These activities can help to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
\n\u2022 Laughter is a great tension reliever. Try to see the humour or the lighter side of situations.
\n\u2022 Substitute worrying for thankfulness by counting all the blessings in your life.<\/p>\n

\u201cDisplacing worry by focusing energy on something more positive can be helpful in ensuring we are adequately rested to take on our family, work and other priorities.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all experience anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes persistent and starts interfering with our ability to cope with everyday life, it is time to address it and seek professional support.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile Covid-19 is a most serious health issue, if you allow worry about it to take over your life it could take a serious and unnecessary toll on your mental and physical well-being,\u201d Naidoo concluded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dear reader,<\/em><\/p>\n

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as \u201cfake news\u201d) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.<\/em><\/p>\n

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za<\/a>) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist)\u00a0busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Also follow us on:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/p>
\n