The WHO has called for a change in term from social distancing to physical distancing on March 20 2020.
Social contact release neurochemicals in the brain- the happy hormones -serotonin and oxytocin. It also reduces the release of cortisol the stress hormone.
We have to maintain the mandatory one to two metres distance- physical distancing and yet not be distant socially.
WHO director Tedros has warned us- The Worst Is Yet To Come.He obviously meant more and more people will get infected in the coming days with covid-19. But his statement may also prove true from mental health point of view.
“The worst is yet to come”
Our biology is built around social interaction. We thrive on social dependence.Social isolation may lead to stress ,anxiety and depression.
We have all met people – wearing mask when we go out for small errands maybe buying grocery . Only eyes are visible, but those eyes don’t shine with recognition after seeing any of us. They just see through people into the emptiness beyond. Sometimes we also have done the same.
We all are afraid of people.
A cheerful ‘Hello’ would have made a positive impact.But the fear is so deep rooted that we feel physical and social distancing is one and the same thing
On our phone ringtones we hear daily- Fight The Disease Not The People.
Physical Distancing Is Not Social Distancing
We as human being cannot measure the grief of individuals outside our immediate family.For the first time the news of misery brings out concern, the second time we are less sympathetic and the third time it is just a story.
Our thought-We get infected because of others fault .Others get infected because of their own fault.
STAY CONNECTED
We have to remain connected-
1.Help neighbours
2.Stay in touch with family and friends through technology.
3.A kind word ,a bright smile, a little small talk over the phone, a mini celebration through video calls will brighten our day.
4.Encouraging others ,giving them love, helping them will also increase our level of happiness
5.Our immune system gets weakend with stress Focus on precaution and health not fear 6.Believe that we are all healthy and safe
HELP DOCTORS BY STAYING POSITIVE
Our positivity will help our doctors , surgeons and nurses also .Increased stress level in our frontline warriors fighting the pandemic is compromising their immunity.Doctors and nurses have to wear masks more than eight hours a day.Stress added with low oxygen level decreases the body’s capacity to fight any disease.
Steps to follow to stay healthy
1.Practice Gratitude Meditation -it will improve emotional regulation
2.Connect with nature. Observe nature the trees, birds, flowers around you. While maintaining physical distancing go out for walks into the open
3.Listening to natural sounds like chirping of birds and falling rain and paying attention to it
4.Trying a new hobby
5.Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation
6.Long deep breath will release the tension
