Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Induced Pandemic and Strategies for Coping with Stress.

We live in an inherently fast paced world with everything moving like a Mercedes Formula 1 race car, driven by Lewis Hamilton on the tracks of Circuit de Monaco. Nature, as always, being a witty comedian with a track record of delivering dark humor, intercepted us all unexpectedly and gave a performance worthy of the best comedians in the world. We were all brought to a halt by a virus we do not see, yet whose impact we could not deny. The degree of mortality globally was such as has not been witnessed by a disease since the Spanish flu that ravaged the civilization of that age and time, leaving all at its wake of carnage. Given we have all had to endure being locked in our own homes, like prisoners under home arrest, for the better part of four months, there is an overwhelming eagerness to return to our “previously normal” lives. That in itself is a desire that cannot be farther from the truth.

First, we have to admit that things have changed on so many levels that normalcy has gained a new definition. There have even been hushed tones of a second wave hitting that we are now beginning to experience in various degrees of severities in Brazil, India, and the United States.

Also, organizations and industries have had to make swift changes and implement technological innovations that were relegated to the background only a few months earlier. The timeline for those in the pipeline has had their implementation moved up. Others who are yet to reconfigure their tools and operations to enable them thrive in these times have been put out of business.  Also, the hierarchy of corporations have been distorted such that many foot-soldiers involved in the nominal day-to-day running have had to face the sack.

Furthermore, despite the recent news of a vaccine being developed in Russia, there is still a time gap between testing and eventual implementation. Add to the mix the bipolar nature of the expectancy levels and receptiveness among the general population, then it is clear that there will be further issues down the road.

As such after thronging physical and virtual streets, while lending voices to the fight against institutionalized racism and profiling manifesting in full blown police brutality and perpetual racial abuse of a wide variety, further light has shone to blow up the intricate workings of the societal construct that limits them. So far, strides have been made in policy amendment and implementation is ongoing.

We are now faced with a reality that we may have to go back indoors in many parts of the world while taking extra precautionary measures for areas in which lockdown has been relaxed or lifted completely. All this puts a strain on a largely stressed population. There is therefore a need to blow off some steam by one way or the other.

The good news is that there are strategies that one can deploy to effectively manage our emotions and ourselves, even in these times. They are multifaceted and interwoven, and can be modified by individuals to fit their respective schedules.

Exercise, eating healthy and diet control cannot be overemphasized. It is a key means through which we can keep the brain functioning properly, blow off steam, keep fit, while improving our overall well-being. The tendency to feed on junk is at an all time high due to absence of other outdoor activities that we are used to. Hence, it is necessary that we watch what we eat and not predispose ourselves to excessive weight gain that only places us at risk of developing terminal symptoms if we do contract the virus but more so because healthy living improves our immunity and overall mood.

In June, sporting activities began to slowly return all over the world. Though there was a faux pas in Lawn Tennis with world number 1 Novak Djokovic coming down with the virus in the middle of the Adria Tour, it was a result of the necessary precautionary measures being ignored. Social distancing, use of face masks, and no contact rule between players were not followed. However, the German Bundesliga and La Liga in Germany and Spain have long been completed and leagues across Italy, and England are nearing their completion with little or no new cases of Coronavirus recorded among players and officials alike. Cricket is also back on with the West Indies and England playing out a test series. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is also set to return on the 30^th of this month. All round, sport enthusiasts around the world can enjoy premium sporting action from the comfort of their homes.

‘Work from home’ has become a cliché in these times and will likely remain so for a while. While some are fully adapting to this new reality, others are still out of jobs and are struggling to fend for themselves. Offering remote services is one way by which we can earn a living while staying at home. If we lack the required skills, then it becomes necessary that we learn the basic skills required while improving on the job. Trying our hands on new opportunities will also serve us well. We all did not expect this, but we cannot also remain still, fold our arms and do nothing. The government has their responsibility and they can only do so much, it is up to us to put on our thinking cap and forge ahead.

The role of a psychologist and friends in this season is important as well. Speaking with a professional saves us the stress of not being heard as is possible even with close friends. We can be open, empty our hearts and then find healing. Friends will help keep us connected with the world and will do all of the good things that friends do for us. With the easing of the lockdown in parts of the world, we can see them now and engage in activities while taking necessary precautions. Where the lockdown is still in place, we have to make do with calls and social media.

In all, these too shall pass and we will meet on the other side with renewed hope and energy for the future. There will be inevitable casualties but from such experiences we can draw strength. We are only human after all.