Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — A clinical psychologist says setting boundaries for yourself while under quarantine could help in managing anxiety and stress during the quarantine period.
Speaking to CNN Philippines Saturday, Dr. Violeta Bautista gave tips on how a person can overcome emotional or psychological challenges from being cooped up at home due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“I think it’s good for us to learn how to manage our emotions. Because of what’s happening, there are so many intense and different kinds of emotions that we can experience like anxiety, depression, loneliness, so let’s accept them…they are signs of us being human. But let us not wallow in them,” Bautista said.
Baustista said one must learn to accept reality and be properly informed about what’s going on. But she cautioned against being overwhelmed by negative news.
Having a schedule could also benefit a person during these trying times, she added.
“There’s time for eating, doing household chores, and for those who are working from home, establish also regular routines for work-at-home arrangement. Set aside a place where you do your work, tell your relatives that these are the times when I do my work so please don’t disturb,” she said.
Setting a routine with your family could also be good.
“I think family members are not used to living together for an extended period of time so we learn to talk to each other, we learn to make simple plans and decision and it’s good to practice understanding, empathy, and kindness,” said Bautista.
But despite the current restrictions, she said it is also about remembering to create special, happy moments.
“We can be creative in finding amusement and sources of happiness such as cooking, watching movies, talking to each other about important things, doing Tiktok, and of course, let’s not also forget there’s a world that exists outside our own personal and family life,” Bautista said.
