The coronavirus has shut down the world. And while we are all hearing the terrifying news of deaths and new confirmed cases worldwide, and we definitely need to follow the recommendations from the WHO, we also need to be aware of something that is probably one of the reasons why this virus is spreading so rapidly.
And it is FEAR. I think that the fear of the virus is deadlier than the virus itself.
Why? Because when we are scared, the amygdala which is the reactive part of our brain gets activated and therefore we immediately enter into a fight-or-flight response (this is the reason why people are obsessively buying toilet paper).
And when we are in this state, our body produces more cortisol to help us deal with the fear. But, heightened levels of cortisol are terrible for our immune system because it gets weakened. And when our immune system is weakened, we are more prone to get sick.
In other words, when you are in a constant state of fear, anxiety, and worried, your body is using a ton of energy because it thinks that you may die and that loss of energy is what you vulnerable and weak. It makes you prone to getting sick.
So, while you make sure you take the necessary precautions; make sure your immune system is also strong. Help yourself by staying out of the fight-or-flight state by shifting your focus from the fear of catching the virus to being grateful for the things and people you have in your life.
Be grateful for all the medical workers that are fighting the virus daily.
Practice empathy. Use your time at home to connect with your family and the people you care about. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
Stop listening to the news, turn off the TV and focus on yourself and the people around you.
You are choosing how you feel. And your feelings and thoughts are more powerful than you think. So use them wisely.
Choose to be brave, bold, strong, and healthy.
And practice love. Give a lot of love and you will get love back.
And until this pandemic ends, stay safe and positive!
