How to unplug yourself from media during coronavirus pandemic and build good health

In January, the World Health Organization (WHO) pronounced the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease as a Pandemic. Currently, the WHO and public health officials are working towards containing the spread of the virus. However, the episode is generating socio-economic stress and anxiety.

As per health experts, it's normal to feel some nervousness when experiencing a worldwide pandemic. People fall into a habit of tuning into the news for information, which is mostly regarding coronavirus crisis. 

Currently, nations are busy executing new measures for citizens to control the spread as the number of people infected and dying is increasing daily. However, the television news that we consume daily for Covid-19 information, indirectly affects our emotions, thinking, and behavior. Health experts say that keeping oneself informed is good but over-dose of the news can harm an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. 

The WHO has also advised setting a time for seeking media information. Sudden bad news and reports about a flare-up can cause anyone to experience tension. It’s important to siphon news, listen to facts and do not rely on rumors. 

Remembering that, we have to find some kind of balance between anxiousness of getting informed and getting overwhelmed by it. Frequent disastrous news can produce stress, increase anxiety, and induce a feeling of depression.

As indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus outbreak is becoming frustrating for many people and can impact peoples eating and sleep patterns, intensify mental health conditions, stimulate fear that can make daily life difficult. 

Unfortunately, during Covid-19, a lot of the news that we consume today, is mostly a negative news cycle, whereas, positive news has become very limited. The population is already struggling a lot with overwhelming of hospitals, lack of food supply, work from home, health and safety of family, unemployment, and following the quarantine measures. On top of everything, media reports add more stress to an already worried individual.

Few common symptoms that we experience while battling a pandemic are anxiety, tiredness, troubled sleep, depression, anger and fear that most of us might be facing now. All these emotions slowly affect our peace of mind.

The situation has compelled the society to adapt to a different lifestyle, which includes self-quarantine, social distancing, and stay-at-home protocols in contrast to what we were daily accustomed to before the pandemic. As per health experts, we must try and limit our scrolling of social media and news channels and instead shift our focus on building up healthy habits during Covid-19. 

It is very important that when one limits himself or herself from watching the news, ask yourself, did you feel informed and calm, or worried, angry, and more skeptical?"

To maintain the equilibrium, psychologists have advised to watch only reliable media news, or channels that provide a balanced perspective. Be mindful of the amount of information you consume.

Avoid conversations that can add to your stress and anxiety. Participate in positive conversations if you feel overwhelmed with negative news around. Try to make regular calls to relatives and friends and share your emotions which can help fight the feeling of depression or anxiety during this crisis. You can also spend quality time with loved ones that can brighten your mood. Especially, try and devote time to prayer and meditation daily which can strengthen your inner peace.

Prepare a daily planner with some fitness exercises, like yoga, skipping, Zumba, Pilates, etc, which can add positivity. Treat lockdown or self-quarantine as a bonus for discovering hobbies as this is the opportunity to devote time to your interests. Focus on planning a healthy diet and consuming it during covid-19, which can help build your family's immunity.