The COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably brought about feelings of stress to everyone. If we ourselves are experiencing these overwhelming emotions, can you just imagine how the frontliners are doing? Our fellow healthcare workers, policemen, grocery storekeepers, pharmacists, bank employees, food delivery crew, volunteers, and so much more are risking their physical, mental, and social well-being and are in the thick of the battle day per day. And up until this very hour, it looks like the cases of the virus are still increasing.
If you don’t already know, exposure to excessive stress for lengthened periods can have a bunch of serious consequences for the entire well-being of frontline workers. It can result in burnout, mental disorders (especially PTSD), turning to unhealthy behaviors even leave a life-threatening consequences.
If you are wondering how frontliners cope with the stress of their current situation on top of their daily routine or a frontliner looking for tips to cope, then continue reading:
Being Reminded of The Goal
Whether it be to support their own families or to help the Filipino people, frontliners have a goal that keeps them going every day. Their inner drive is what motivates them to do what they do. And at some point, although we all don’t know when, the pandemic will die down. All the hard work they put in during these times will be worth all the while.
Staying Informed (but not too much!)
Seeking information and being updated about the latest news about the world, their jobs, the status of the pandemic, and protocols are also what help them cope. These provide frontliners with ways to keep themselves and their families safe.
However, these also come with a few downsides. If you are a frontliner, make sure to avoid information overload. Do not be immersed in media coverage all the time. Remember, we are still in the middle of the pandemic and all of these information and news could be all too overwhelming.
Keeping a Relationship with People Who Matter
Of course, staying connected is one of the best ways frontliners are coping during the pandemic. Their friends, families, and their support systems are what keeps them doing. Just a simple text message, few minutes of video call, or even social activities virtually do a huge difference in their mental health. It helps take some load off their shoulders and become a light in their day.
Some even exchange support with their fellow co-workers. It helps them find comfort that some individuals are also experiencing the same situation as they are.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Coping also comes in the form of taking care of the body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must for frontliners. Since they are at the highest risk for the transmission of the virus, it is vital for them to keep their bodies strong and their immune systems healthy.
Frontliners should maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get as much rest as they can. Some healthcare workers are even squeezing in sleep rest in between shifts.
Self-Care Strategies
Whether it be as simple as talking to a friend or meditating, frontliners are definitely doing some simple actions that bring them even the simplest of joys.
Knowing When To Take A Break
When things get too heavy, frontliners should know their limits. Good hospitals in the Philippines implement that if frontliners feel too overwhelmed and unable to cope, it is essential for them to take a break.
Key Takeaway
Being a part of one of the healthcare workers and those who work at the frontlines to help the country navigate their way through these extremely difficult times is definitely not an easy task. In fact, frontliners put their overall health at risk day per day. The actions and strategies above serve as their silver lining.
This is why we cannot stress enough how important it is to take extreme precautions throughout these times: wash your hands, stay healthy, wear a mask, and more importantly, stay at home. Don’t go out when it is absolutely not needed. Because not only are you putting yourselves at risk, but you are also putting the people around you at risk as well. Flattening the curve and beating this pandemic is deeply rooted in all of our actions.
We are deeply grateful to all of the healthcare workers and all those at the frontlines who are working tirelessly to help keep the country safe.
