As you distance yourself from Covid-19 be careful not to catch a far worst viral virus, which already spreads around!

Surely, one of the most difficult and challenging parts of the pandemic we are facing is the uncertainty of the situation.

Uncertainty related to the real danger of corona virus and its long-term implication on our society. Uncertainty related to our living conditions, to travel plans, to our work, to economy and the future as a whole.

All of this uncertainty can be compared to the virus itself, why? Feeling of uncertainty adds fuel into the fear centers within our brains.

The more it affects us, the harder it gets to remain calm and maintain clarity whiles intelligently navigating through this situation.

Fear is a basic human mechanism. It helps us avoid danger and protect ourselves.

Whiles fear helps our survival, mixed with uncertainty it can lead to anxiety, which truly is the key trigger for mental health issues.

When anxiety spreads by social contagion, it can lead to something even more problematic. And that is panic.

Fear and anxiety are two emotions that spread very easily between people, and because of social media you don’t actually even have to be in physical contact with one another to get it.

With global issues such as this current coronavirus one, people all over the world (just like me) share information and their outlook on the pandemic. And as much as people may intend well, this “spreading of news” may actually have a detrimental effect on the mental health of readers.

The more you read about the issue the more you end up worrying and in turn the more you get infected by the “fear”- the worst virus of all.

These emotions will keep you from thinking straight and might have you act, and make decisions in a panic. Learn how to think link an entrepreneur and control your own future by joining my Architecture Masterclass Facebook group here.

So, how to combat the mental virus, called fear and protect yourself, your workers and your family from its detrimental effects?

It is all about your mind.

The only immunity to this problem you can build is to raise your level of awareness and mindfulness.

So, what helps your mind stay calm and clear?

One of the most effective ways is a meditation called “loving kindness meditation”.

Research shows that loving kindness meditation decreases activity in the very same brain regions that get fired up when we get anxious.

So what is a loving-kindness meditation?

A loving kindness meditation is a practice where after you close your eyes, and relax into your body you bring forth an image of a loved one. This may be someone you truly feel grateful for. Could be a person, but also a pet. Once you ground yourself, you silently offer them a wish of well being “May you be happy”. Use that image of the person and meditate upon the gratitude, love and good wish you want to offer them.

This simple exercise fills your heart with love and peace. And that feeling is much more greater and stronger than the giving into anxiety.

Taking a moment to pause in stressful situations helps you ground in calmer emotions.

Given the choice our brain always chooses reward over punishment. Calmness feels better than anxiety so give you the gift of calmness.

Make your state of mind infectious.

Allow for the sense of calmness to positively influence others around you. Notice the level of immunity that comes from everyone around you feeling content and calm.

As uncertainty can spread like a virus through online paths of information exchange, allow yourself to social-distance yourself from negative impulses of information and re-gain clarity onto your everyday life. If you publish, make sure your content carries a positive message and is empowering, rather than adding into the social scare.

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