Coping with lockdown

Life has become extremely stressful, uncertain and challenging for all of us due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, how do we cope with the feelings of stress and anxiety this brings? We have put together a list of tips that we hope can help you get through this stressful time.

Try to take breaks from the news

Most of us are in zones experiencing the ravages of the virus, in confinement, holding our breath praying that Africa/Zambia is spared from the worst of it. We are watching the news continuously, looking at the headlines, and wondering, “What is going to happen next?”

You might want to consider altering the way you consume the news because ultimately that may be putting you into panic and making you anxious. This said, obviously, it is important to stay informed especially regarding news and updates in your community so you can follow advised safety precautions and do your part to slow the spread of covid-19.

Make time to unwind

Make time to unwind and remind yourself that this is temporary. Try to do activities you usually enjoy. Doing puzzles, playing board games, gardening are all great ways to spend time during confinement. Sewing is a hobby that is proving to be a very useful skill during this period, you can spend time sewing face masks for your family and neighbours.

Exercise your body and mind

Take care of your body and mind. Physical activity releases stress and boosts up energy. There are endless free virtual exercise resources available online. You do not need to leave the house or use expensive equipment to get a good workout. There are many ‘sofa’ workouts tutorials online that you can give a try!

Remember to take care of your mental health too. There are various approaches to managing your mental wellbeing among which yoga, meditation and prayer.

Stay together even apart!

Confinement and social distancing come with its own perils. Humans are social beings. We are wired for connection. Isolation and loneliness can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and even impact our physical health.

Luckily, with modern technology, we can keep in touch with friends and family, by telephone, email or social media.

Set Goals for the Quarantine period

Silver lining to the dark clouds of covid-19 is that you can use this confinement period to learn a new skill or take an online course to learn something new. You can also pickup that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for the last few months…

Focus on facts

Stick to trustworthy sources such as the World health Organisation, Ministry of health Zambia, Ministry of health France, and your local public health authorities.

Be careful what you share. Try your best to verify information before passing it on. We all have a responsibility to avoid spreading misinformation and adding on to the anxiety that covid-19 is causing.

Finally, we have compiled a list of links to various sites for activities and information we hope you may find helpful.

Covid-19 information sources

Gouvernement FR

Ministry of health Gov ZM

World emergencies WHO

CDC

John Hopkins Institute

Covid-19 rumours and misinformation

Snopes

Hoaxbusters French

Fact check

Ideas for activities:

Learn a new skill!

Take an online language course 

Learn something new

Board games

Homemade Pictionary game

Museums: Enjoy a tour while staying at home

Free Virtual Parisian museums

Institut des Cultures d’Islam

Covid-19 support

Covid entraide (Community support group)

RECIPE ALERT!!

During this covid-19 confinement period, you may want to learn to cook, to perfect your culinary skills or simply to try out something new.

We have asked members of our community to share some of their recipes which we will be posting here.

This time could be spent making and enjoying a good meals. Stay tuned!

NGOSA'S FRIED VEGETABLE RICE

For a comfort food meal, try this spicy, tasty and colourful fried rice and vegetables recipe!

Ngosa is Zambian, she is a student in procurement and lives between France and Zambia. In her spare time, she loves to cook and bake.

CHLOE'S MERINGUE TARTE

For desert or tea time, enjoy a delicious Lemon meringue pie. Chloé followed a recipe on a popular french recipe website. She shares her tips.

Chloé is French-Zambian. She lives in Paris; one of the best cities in the world known for exquisite pastries. She is studying architecture and in her spare time, she loves to try different recipes from around the world.

By

Connie N Bellonie

Joëlle M Ozoux