How to deal with 'corona blues'

These are strange times we are living in. The new coronavirus has us all practicing social distancing, and staying away from large social gatherings such as school as much as we possibly can. This is no doubt critical for our physical health.

But it's certainly creating a lot of challenges for mental health. The fact that I can't meet up with friends, get proper exercise, or go anyplace without wearing a mask … I have to admit it's stressing me out.

I did some research on this phenomenon. It turns out that there's a term for it: the "corona blues." All around the world, people are stuck at home feeling anxious, lonely and depressed. It can result in bad digestion, headaches and insomnia.

Because all of us struggle with this situation in different ways, I wanted to pass on some useful tips I got from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Five tips for dealing with the corona blues:

1. Take care of your body: Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, and avoid junk food and fast food. Get enough sleep, and open a window for some fresh air.
2. Think positively: Try to think positively that you can deal with the situation and try to be supportive to your family members.
3. Connect with others: Share your thoughts and feelings with a friend or family member. Chat through voice and video whenever possible.
4. Stay informed: Keep aware of the situation through quality news sources, and avoid rumors and false information that can be easily spread through social media.
5. Seek help if you need it: If you're feeling serious distress, remember that you can contact the Cyber 1388 Helpline at 02-1388. You can also text to #1388 or add #1388 on KakaoTalk to talk to someone.

Sean Kim
St. Paul's School
Seoul

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