Why you should not panic over Coronavirus | Social Connecting and Physical Distance

The coronavirus has become a global pandemic. Schools are shut down, bars, restaurants, beaches, almost everything has closed its doors. Some people aren’t able to go into work, and some have completely lost their jobs. 

Should you be afraid?

The worst thing you can do yourself is stress. We have such easy access to information, that it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. The media has a tendency to use fear tactics in times like these, and sometimes we are fed misinformation. It’s best to not only socially distance, but distance yourself from screens. Gain your information from credible sources, follow the safety tips given by the CDC, and control what you can. Stress will only weaken your immune system and make it easier for you to become sick. Find other things to focus on and talk about. 

Simple Daily Immune Boosters

• Smiling. Watching a funny movie, a stand-up special, a romantic-comedy, anything that will help you laugh. Laughter decreases stress hormones, releases endorphins, and increases the cells and infection-fighting antibodies. This will also take your mind off of the drama outside of your control. This will decrease tensions in your household, and have a domino effect on the following days to come. 
• Sleep. Studies show that individuals that don’t get enough quality sleep have higher chances of getting sick after being exposed to a virus. It also affects recovery time. 
• Hydration. Staying hydrated will help your body eliminate toxins and other illness causing bacterias. It is recommended to follow the 8×8 rule, drinking 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water per day. 
• Deep Breathing. Deep breathing techniques go down a long line towards the immune system. Daily conscious deep breaths help in balancing the nervous system, decreases blood pressure, supplements the respiratory system, lowers stress hormones, and helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which has a large role in immune functions.
• Socially Connect. Social Distancing does not mean isolation but rather connect socially through electronics. Since this is something the entire world is experiencing together, it’s easy to find someone who can relate to what you’re feeling and going through. Connect with friends and family, join a support facebook group, and voice your emotions to others. Studies have shown that negative emotions negatively impact our immune system. So being able to express those emotions in a positive way could help you develop new positive emotions.

Mayo Clinic

Help Guide

Fisher | Titus

For more help please reach out to a therapist that does tele-therapy so you do not have to leave your home and stay safe from the coronavirus!  Total Life Counseling has Orlando & Dallas tele-therapist counselors that can help with stress tips, meditation, mindfulness and more to help you through this tough time!  Give us a call Orlando 407-248-0030 or Dallas (469) 757-5215 for a complimentary 15 minute call.  Hang in there and stay safe!

Jim West

Adolescent Expert, Jim West offers expert advice to Local and National TV News & Schools Internationally and provides phone or face-to-face counseling in the Orlando area. Jim is an Author, Communicator, School Consultant, Nationally Certified and State Licensed Counselor and specializes in counseling for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Jim has been interviewed for multiple TV, Radio, magazine and newspaper articles. He is president of Total Life Counseling Center and his Total Life approach accelerates the therapeutic & healing process by relating to children, adolescents and adults and incorporating wellness. Jim’s clients travel from all over Florida, England, Georgia, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas as he has been able to treat clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression and more with FDA approved supplements and Dietary Modifications. 85% of his clients have not needed medication or used less medication than when they first came to Total Life Counseling Center.

See Full Bio