April 28, 2020

Overcoming Irrational Fears Surrounding Coronavirus

Our brains are designed to keep us alive. Fear is that mechanism.

The problem is worry, which is anticipatory fear. That is occurring in rampant form during the COVID-19 pandemic. People are trying to offset some of the uncertainty by attempting to gain control -- manifested in actions like buying excessive amounts of toilet paper.

Dr. Roger Hall, author of Staying Happy Being Productive, joins Dr. Holly to share tips for easing some of the irrational fears and worries impacting us during the pandemic.

Daily Gratitude: mentally rehearsing the mildly positive events of each day makes them easier to remember.

Media Diet: I’m not telling you to stop using the media, but I am encouraging you to limit the amounts and times of day that you access it.

Screen your sources of information: If the source has a financial interest in bad news, then be wary of the accuracy of the information. If you can’t find a resource who is impartial, make sure you get multiple views, opposing views on the problem.

Sleep, exercise, good nutrition, faith, and a long-term perspective: these are some basic resources for people to cope with adversity.

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