The second wave, uptick, continued onslaught: Call it what you may, Covid-19 infections are surging back up across the country. Lulls in some areas are offset by fresh outbreaks in others. Places that have flattened the curve wonder how long the respite will last. The U.S. now has more than 7.5 million cases and the CDC expects tens of thousands of new deaths in the coming weeks. Without containment or rapid testing, we should start thinking ahead to winter, the traditional season for all manner of flu. If history serves as a guide, the coronavirus will continue to spread as we move indoors, return to school, and close windows. The realization that things are getting worse, not better, after five months of deprivation and loss has created generalized fatigue. The crisis seems never-ending. But while we can’t summon a vaccine or stem the disease’s nefarious spread, we can do a lot to control our own responses and plans. Sustaining readiness and thinking ahead will make this slog more tolerable, and safer. Your best defense now is to stay healthy, positive, and psychologically strong. Here are some tips to consider as you power through the coming months of uncertainty. Don’t become complacent about COVID-19 The good news is that medical professionals ought to be better prepared than the first time around. They’ve established hospital protocols, learned lessons, and have more information about Covid-19 than at the start of the year. We know more about wearing masks and the dangers of indoors than we did when the nightmare began in January. But this should not lead to complacency. As exhausting as it may be, don’t let down your guard. Maintain the good habits developed over the past five months. Continue the handwashing. Keep hands from the face. Wear masks and get spares for the long haul. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated places. Most importantly, turn to reliable sources of information. Conflicting and incorrect reports cause confusion and unease. The CDC and Dr. Anthony Fauci should be your go to’s on which to base your plans. Tune out the rest. Make a plan Ample studies show that contemplating the worst-case scenario and then making a plan to mitigate or cope with it lessens anxiety considerably. Taking action lends a sense of control. Psychologists who specialize in disasters say the one factor that boosts emotional resilience in a crisis is social support and connection. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Distance yourself from anyone who has a toxic effect. Altruism has a powerful effect on mood. There’s nothing like helping someone else to make you feel better about the world. Take care of yourself physically, get enough sleep, and exercise, and eat well. Being fit will boost your physical endurance in case you fall sick and it will also help you cope with the anxiety. Try to build these healthy habits into your daily routine. Lastly, set aside something to look forward to each day. Banish doom scrolling, particularly before going to bed. Pursue something that centers you – comedic t.v. shows, reading to the little ones, meditation, playing with the dog, singing, painting, journaling. Source
