Stay Calm and Carry On

Tips to lower your anxiety level during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic:

1.     Educate yourself 
Despite coronavirus being highly infectious, the mortality rate outside of China is 0.2% (compared to SARS which was about 10%.) Every year 60,000 people die of ordinary influenza and very few people outside of Wuhan province who have contracted coronavirus have died outside of the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Of the 45 people who’ve contracted coronavirus in Singapore, seven have already been discharged from hospital (with more headed home soon.)  So yes, be careful, wash your hands, up your hygiene, and stay home if you’re feeling unwell but you don’t have to cancel your life. 

2. Avoid fear-mongers 
Fear fuels fear.  Just as you try to minimize exposure to viruses, you also need to minimize exposure to people who fuel stress. 

3.  Focus on what strengthens you, and stay as calm as possible

4. Double down on empowering rituals and practices 
Exercise. Eat well. Get sleep. Meditate. Journal. Get out in nature. Prioritize your schedule. Do more of whatever activities recenter, recharge and reset your headspace.  
​
5. Get on with your life as it encourages others to get on with theirs. Take sensible precautions, and then get on with your life. 
Just as fear is contagious, so too is courage. 

You are brave. You can do it. You have the courage.