It's hard to just take a breath in the middle of a global pandemic. Literally, many people can currently no longer distinguish whether they are really experiencing corona symptoms or simply paying too much attention to their breathing and health. I'm ill? Is that a symptom? Is that normal?
The problem? Stress and anxiety can affect our mental and psychological health. And cause symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus. How you feel is how you think And how you think is how you feel. So if you get lost in negative thought spirals, you may also feel physically lousy at some point. Conversely, positive thoughts lead to a better common good.
The more you listen to your body, the more you will notice. That stirs up fear. But how can you tell the difference between coronavirus symptoms and ailments caused by stress and anxiety?
Coronavirus or stress? The differences
But if you constantly suffer from shortness of breath and cannot even speak a straight sentence without gasping for air, you should better call a doctor. Breath tests can help if in doubt. Take a deep breath and count to 20. If you cannot hold your breath for more than ten seconds, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If you feel anxious and start hyperventilating, sit down, close your eyes, and focus on slow, deep breaths. When you calm down, and your breathing slowly returns to normal, everything should be OK.
Asthma and panic attacks
Stomach problems, nausea, and loss of appetite - all signs of Covid disease - are symptoms of stress and anxiety at the same time. However, if you are really physically ill, symptoms rarely go away overnight. So if you wake up in the morning and do not suffer from shortness of breath or stomach problems, you are more likely to be mentally exhausted than sick with corona.
How to stay mentally up to date despite the pandemic
Keeping the immune system in balance
Stop checking your symptoms all the time
Mental health is a priority
Distract yourself
Meditation
Go Out!
Talk to friends and family
It's easy to get tangled up in negative thoughts. Stress is contagious. So talk to your loved ones about how you can get through this time as positively and together as possible. See what each other needs, treat each other with respect, and be lenient - especially if you should live under the same roof. Together we can create this time too!