LETTERS: One should not hold out too much hope that 2022 will see the return of the old normal amid the pandemic.
It feels as if as the days pass, the pandemic has a firmer grip on us and batters us more physically, mentally and emotionally.
The disruption and change in daily activities caused by the pandemic have led to uncontrolled feelings of stress.
Stress is, however, normal in daily life. It can stimulate creativity, promote diligence and increase performance.
Through stress, we can improve our mental capacity and learn stress management and coping skills when faced with life challenges, such as a pandemic.
A key coping strategy when facing stress is positive thinking. Positive thoughts need to be the rudder of life. Without them, people will constantly face problems that inhibit self-development.
Psychology research has shown that positive thoughts can turn environments positive as well.
Good time management skills and thorough task planning are other coping strategies to manage stress, helping us optimise our time whether for work or social life.
Many blame movement and face-to-face communication restrictions during the pandemic for their failure to achieve outstanding performances even though others thrived.
Productivity can be lost to social media too. Therefore, distinct rules when using gadgets are needed to remain productive.
Managing anger is another vital coping strategy when facing the pandemic. Anger can bring about uncontrollable behaviour.
This can get serious if the individual is having troubles, like financial difficulties and marital problems.
Anger management skills are crucial when you want to express your emotions without being aggressive. Teach yourself to stop thinking about matters that may trigger high emotions and calming yourself with rational thinking.
Minimising stress when facing this pandemic is important in 2022. Letting stress drag on may bring about depression and it can also affect everyday life.
Therefore, it must be reined in through coping strategies so that you can focus on managing life amid a pandemic.
A better understanding of stress as well as having high empathy for others are also ingredients to help us survive the pandemic successfully.
If this can be achieved, Malaysia will be able to win the battle and shine again.
DR ZAFIR KHAN MOHAMED MAKHBUL
Professor and dean, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Graduate School of Business
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
