So how do we stay calm when we have no idea what is around the corner?
There isn't an easy answer to this, but if we adopt a philosophical and psychological approach and view the statistics and information without the media hype, we can see that while the infection rate is relatively high, the death rate is relatively low.
When self-isolation has been enforced in countries like Italy and Spain, they didn't have a lot of time to prepare and be organised. In many other countries, such as Australia, we do. So we can use that opportunity to think ahead and, without being silly about it, prepare for the eventuality that our family might be self contained.
If we adopt this measured approach and calmly prepare, we can reduce our anxiety levels by knowing that we are ready.
What can you do to be prepared?
- Think about what meals you can freeze ahead of time and what supplies you will need for 14 days (considering that online delivery will most likely still be a possibility if you run out)
- Consider how you will work from home or help your children learn while they are at home - perhaps you could hire an extra laptop, or clear some space for all of you to work together
- Talk to everyone in the family about what your days might look like if it does happen, and try and approach it from a fun, family-time point of view. How can you mix work and play on these days and make the most of the enforced family time.
- If you are on your own at home, chat to your friends about having meet-ups online to keep each other connected so you don't feel like you're on your own.
- If you are feeling overly anxious, book yourself an appointment with a psychologist to get extra tips on how to remain calm. You will most likely be able to do this remotely over video conference if you can't get an appointment face-to-face.
- And (the best tip of all) stockpile on boardgames instead of toilet paper! It's much more fun.
Tristan Abba Psychology can help with strategies to help you keep yourself and your family calm and sane during this period!