How to enjoy summer without fear of Covid

Now that 60% of the Spanish population has already received at least one dose of it, we are all calmer. But the truth is that we cannot lower our guard and at the same time, we need to rest.

We have already passed that initial phase of crippling fear in which we did not know what this virus was like or how to fight it, now, luckily, we know how to fight it and we can all do our part to eradicate it.

The use of masks, good hygiene, avoiding closed spaces and crowds, are just some of the tips that we all have in mind. But considering that a rest period, enjoy and travel to different places, it is good that we plan our vacations with optimism, without losing sight of the danger of -19.

Traveling during Covid

There are still many people afraid to travel and that is normal after what they have experienced. It is recommended to:

• Program: anticipate and lower your stress levels from days before your trip with meditation, reprogramming yourself positively, enjoying the cinema and theater, doing sports, etc. If you start your trip in a better state of mind, it is more likely that you will manage it better and enjoy it.
• Personalize: if you are a little afraid, plan a challenge that does not overwhelm you, increase the kilometers and the type of trip progressively, you will gain security and self-control without worrying. Choosing our companions well can help us feel more positive and secure in the displacement and return to a certain normality.
• Weigh: It is very difficult when we are afraid, but we must try to get out of there and draw attention to those things that will make us feel better. Use what you have learned in stress management and mindfulness, resort to pleasant distractors such as music, a book, series or a good conversation that help you not to pay attention to the things that scare you or make you nervous.
• Reward: Since you are doing something that requires a lot of courage, which is to face your fears, it is good that you give yourself a reward for the effort you are doing.

It will get easier and easier to travel, that's for sure, because we are also more used to this “new” situation, but we must be patient, go little by little and trust that we can do it.

Psychological effects of Covid

The past year has been one of the most difficult. The Covid has meant a radical change in our lives. Studies say that the number of young people suffering from it has increased by 30% anxiety or panic and the among the population has increased by 4.2% from 2019 to 2020.

The information we received during the initial months of the pandemic and the contradictory messages that were disseminated in RR.SS. They have not helped, and this has meant that a large part of the population has suffered the paralyzing fear typical of such an unusual situation.

Once this first phase is over, we have to be positive and know that we are going to get out of this. For this, it is essential that let's not isolate ourselves nor let us panic. Being cautious is good, but without obsessions.

Thinking positive is vital. In addition, we must bear in mind that positive emotions activate endorphins and oxytocin. In the words of psychologist Martin Seligman,

Some recommendations to recover the well-being lost during the are:

• Support us in the family and the friends, not be left alone with our concerns.
• Understand the work and studies too as a means of escape, socialization, fulfillment and to avoid isolation.
• And above all, do not neglect the self care: in the video you will find some resources and references to take care of yourself with sport, optimism, enjoyment, art and peace of mind.

When should we ask for help?

For this, it is important to keep two things in mind:

• The frequency: number of times we feel fear in a specific period of time. It is not the same to be afraid once a week or once a month, than to have it daily.
• The intensity: force with which that fear, that sensation, that discomfort, that behavior, etc. appears.

Sometimes we have been afraid and stressed for so long that this affects our mood, our Peace of mind, even sleeping or eating. This in many cases makes us sad, not wanting to do anything, we are more clueless or it is difficult for us to make decisions. If we notice these types of significant alterations, it is time to ask for help.

Paula madrigal