Almundena Naranjo, psychologist

There are many days that we have been confined at home. Since the state of alarm was decreed, we have been able to have different thoughts, emotions, concerns and, of course, actions that are beyond our reasoning. Because, who would have thought to live in a situation like this? Feeling out of place could be one of the first things we felt.

Now, we already know what it means to be confined at home and there are people who can handle it better and others who are having more difficulty doing so.

What things can help us feel better and be able to control our emotions in a positive way?

– Dose the information that reaches us and look for sources that are reliable. It is important to be informed but without going overboard, an almost constant flow of news about covid 19 can make anyone feel anxious or distressed.

– Establish routines at home. Routines are necessary because they give us security, self-esteem and control of situations. Therefore, to the extent that we can, we should have them. It is interesting to find a balance between routines and flexibility, because there will be times when it is necessary to be more flexible and we should not feel guilty for that.

-Maintain our self-care. Self-care goes hand in hand with self-esteem and, believe me, right now we also need to love ourselves a lot. If we are well, we can help our family and friends to be well and in these times where hugs and kisses are sold expensive, we have to learn to give love in another way. So, cleaning ourselves, having adequate hygiene, doing some physical activity, having sleep and wake times, eating healthy and keeping our home comfortable is a great act of love towards ourselves.

– Talk about what worries you, “talk healthy”. For this we must know how to identify which emotions are assaulting us. Sometimes we will be sad, other times angry, irritated, frustrated, happy, worried, etc. It is normal to feel this way and it can help to share it with other people who are in the same situation as us.

– Question what you think. Unfortunately we have a very harsh reality, but thought is free, and it can be for good or for bad. If we let ourselves be carried away by fear (which is free), we can take whatever we want and then it will not protect us, it will paralyze us and we will not be functional. Let's focus on what we can do, let's give ourselves permission to feel, let's be tolerant with ourselves and with those we love.

Let's assess the situation from the present, living day to day, and if we prepare future action plans that are based on self-control and consistency. Anticipating what is to come, as well as thinking about what has happened, will only generate more anxiety, and it is useless.

But what if I still feel anxious? Validate your sensations, they are normal, annoying but normal. Accept how you feel and you can tell someone who understands and doesn't judge you.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, or mindfulness can help you and if you need it, do not hesitate to look for professionals who can help you.

The human being has the ability to adapt to the environment, it is what has made it possible for us to evolve physically and psychologically as a species for thousands of years. Unfortunately, we are having to live a very complicated moment for all of us and depending on what role we have as an actor and the emotional management we make of the situation we are experiencing, we will be prepared to continue with our story. Being confined, being sanitary, carriers, working in supermarkets, pharmacies, food, state forces, being sick, having lost a family member, etc.

EVERYONE, we need to take care of ourselves and let them take care of us!