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Here, in conversation with Ms. Isabella Bergner, I give tips on how to make everyday life better in Corona times. This was broadcast on Radio Kärnten on April 25th, 2020. Original to listen to up to 7 days after the broadcast:

https://radiothek.orf.at/ktn/20200425/KGUMO/1587795595000

https://radiothek.orf.at/ktn/20200425/KRKW/1587816626000

https://radiothek.orf.at/ktn/20200425/KRKW/1587817270000

https://radiothek.orf.at/ktn/20200425/KRKW/1587818392000

...and as an mp3 download:

There is also an article about this on ORF.at that you can read:

https://kaernten.orf.at/stories/3045768/

Here is a copy of the article:

Social

Get through special situations well

Social distancing will continue to concern every society as long as there is no treatment for CoV. Many suffer from separations, others from the constant closeness of family. There is also homeschooling and teleworking. Psychologist Diana Schaffer gives tips.Online since April 30, 2020, 7:03 a.mShare on FacebookShare on TwitterSend by email

According to Schaffer, many people suffer (not just in times of CoV) because contact with others and physical contact are very important in order to feel good. For some people, the lack of contact can lead to depression. A relatively young field of research is “lifestyle medicine”. The key questions are how closely are lifestyle and health related and to what extent do changes have an impact.

Studies show that social factors can also prevent illnesses or help cure them, says Schaffer: "Many studies in this area show that lonely and isolated people are three to ten times more likely to get sick or even die earlier than people who are socially integrated." But now you're in a paradoxical situation: "We know deep down that we want to be close to other people. On the other hand, that's exactly what becomes a threat to our health, something that causes fear."

Facing fears

Fear is the next thing you have to deal with. On the one hand, the fear of infection, and on the other hand, the fear that arises when you have to deal with job loss or financial problems. "On a physical level, anxiety leads to stress. If this stress lasts too long, it has a negative impact on the immune system."

Fear is always a bad advisor because you tend to make rash actions and get tunnel vision. You get irritated quickly. But exactly when it comes to finances, you need conscious, considered actions to find solutions, says the psychologist.

Life consists of ups and downs

From a distance, some worries no longer seem so big and difficult. A look back can help here: "Life has ups and downs, that's completely normal. When you're doing well and you're on a high, it's hard to imagine that things will go bad for you, and vice versa." Looking at life as a whole and recognizing the pattern can help you endure it. You know that things will get better at some point.

Daily structure helps

In order to be able to distract yourself in the situation, Schaffer advises having a good daily structure. “If you think about what you want to do the next day the night before, perhaps in writing, the day will seem more interesting.” The freed up time could also become a field for experimentation - space for something that you always wanted to do but never had time for: "Maybe you like writing or have always wanted to paint or sew. You can also do fitness exercises." You can also take stock of your life. Question your relationships, job, hobbies.

"If you have children, you now finally have the opportunity to spend quality time with them. For example, just being there for the child, listening, following suggestions, playing crazy games. Interestingly, you can see with children that they have particularly creative game ideas when they are very bored."MORE ON THE TOPICHotlines and links to CoV Carinthia

Don't wear jogging suits all day

Schaffer has tips for working from home. She advises against wearing jogging suits: "If you spend most of the day indoors, it's easy to fall into careless habits. If you dress nicely at home, it increases your self-esteem. You should do sport or exercise every day; this will make you feel happier on a hormonal level."

Create retreats

When many family members are together in a small space, everyone needs a break, ideally in the form of a retreat. Communication is also more important than ever. If something bothers you, don't swallow it, but speak to it straight away. You often hear the slogan “hold on”. Not a term that psychologist Schaffer likes to hear: “The word persevere suggests that it is a difficult time.” It is better to think about what is positive. Maybe you will recognize something new about yourself.

For some there is too much closeness, for others there is too little, keyword grandparents: "It is important to maintain contact. This is often relatively easy thanks to technology. It may be an opportunity for grandma and grandpa to become familiar with WhatsApp or Skype and be able to talk to their grandchildren normally."

Baking cakes with online help

If you're worried that you'll run out of topics or that children won't just chat for long, you just have to get creative: "If the child is older, grandma can tell you a cake recipe, the child carries it out and so you can bake cakes together." Even a warm letter with a drawing can warm your heart just as much as a hug.

Other older people are withdrawing more at the moment, and relatives have to take action here: "If someone withdraws, there is a high probability that they will fall into a depressive mood. This makes it even more difficult to approach others. You need a lot of patience and understanding, but you have to approach them." Confidence that everything will turn out well can help you to be less afraid, says the psychologist.

Write a list in good times

When you are in an energy hole or have dark thoughts and are not feeling well, it is difficult to have creative ideas. That's why it makes sense to think about what could be good for you when times are good. For example, writing and implementing a list: “Good music, a bath with scented oil, taking a walk or calling someone who does you good.” You will be surprised that you will soon feel better when you do something nice.

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