MUSCAT: Day by day the wide spread of COVID-19 is increasing; continents are badly affected, daily thousands of new cases are reported and uncontrollable fatalities are going up.

This is added by the quantum of news, reports, videos and pictures floating around. Some are really helpful to get updates but mostly are increasing the fear in the community and are great sources of distress and negativity

The life has gone in a different aspects- lockdown, closures of the public places, work from home or social distancing. All these are really need a swift change in our thought process as we have been tuned to socializing, fun, entertainment, excursions and lot more ways to distress ourselves.
Now the current coronavirus control measures, new set of rules, limitations, and changes has drastically impacted out mantle state, with fear and uncertainty are rampant.

Focus on what you can control
Do not get in panic, fear and depression for the things which are beyond your control. Your anxiousness about the issues will make you depressed, you will feel powerless. Shifting your attention toward those aspects of life that you can control can help restore your sense of agency and self-confidence.

Think positively about matters what is in your control like eating healthy food, doing exercise, yoga, meditation, wearing clothes what admire your look etc. Start taking to yourself, set your short term goals, brainstorm on your beliefs, explore ways to create positivity from negate.

Limit your media intake
We all want information and guidance on what we can do to keep ourselves and family safe from COVID19. And the fact is that we are glued to TV, mobile, internet and flooded with the negative news, information’s which in fact creating a negative atmosphere around us. Lot of information’s floating around is even not authentic and creating speculations and rumors. Limit your browsing to only official website that too just twice a day- Morning and evening. Do not get victim of checking updates every moment. As more you check, more you are surrounded with negative news and forcing you to worries and depression.

System / Professionals are working to make it get better
With all news around, statistics and growing spread of virus, we start thinking that nothing is getting better. “The government isn’t helping.” “Things are out of control.” “People don’t respect the health guidelines.” This is putting our hope off and we are ignoring good news around. See the good part of information’s, how many recovered survival reports etc.

There are lots of people who are helping- Doctors working day and night, police protecting and enforcing social distancing, shop keepers making food supply available, cleaning team sanitizing your surroundings, volunteers supplying food or helping others. What you need to do is just to isolate yourself from the negative things, sanitize your thought process and create positive thoughts and follow basic guidelines, you be part of the Mission to fight the pandemic.”

Invest in the Personal uplifting
Surrounding yourself with uplifting media, people, activities, and thoughts can help encourage a more optimistic and joyful mindset, even in the face of stress and loss. The more you see, think, and do that reflects peace, happiness, and positivity, the more it can influence your mood and outlook. Look for your “comfort food.” which help to promote a feeling of warmth, joy, and frivolity.

Set a personal schedule and goals
During the lockdown period or work at Home, you have change in your routines. So use your extra time wisely as it is a life time opportunity for doing the things, for what, you are lagging time during routine life. Spent time with yourself, look for creative approach, using time wisely , up skilling yourself, devoting time for your health and mantle peace, spending quality time with your family, understanding them better. Start writing hone your old skills and thinking out of the box.

Be part of drive-Do your part
System is working to improve the things, what you need is to “DO YOUR PART”

Follow religiously all guidelines issued by authorities, maintain good personal hygiene, sticking with social distancing, Stay at Home unless absolutely necessary, and encourage others to do the same. Your small contribution will help in breaking the chain and make a tremendous impact on your community.

Keep moving forward and together we’re going to all come out of this.

Neelesh Sogani is working as IOSH Oman Chair and Corporate HSE Manager.