During the first wave of the pandemic, people followed safety precautions because they were very afraid of the threat of the coronavirus.
This is called “punishment motivation” and is effective, but in the short term.
People are afraid and do everything to distance themselves from the threat. Therefore, in quarantine, most people are at home and monitor pandemic statistics.
But if a person meets all the requirements, and the threat only increases, at some point he may have anxious symptoms or even depression due to stress.
And as a result, there is fatigue due to quarantine measures.
When there are many long-term constraints, the potential threat loses its significance. The importance of quarantine measures is subjectively reduced. People attend various events and rarely use masks and disinfectants.
Therefore, at this stage, the “motivation of punishment” for violating the rules is no longer effective. It needs to be replaced by “achievement motivation”, ie to change the emphasis from fear to constructiveness and results.
The media should not intimidate people, but give clear instructions so that people understand what to do in case of infection, during illness and after recovery.
A person must form a positive goal for which he will adhere to quarantine measures.
If in this situation we see an opportunity to learn new life strategies, languages, develop personal qualities, we will make adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic easier and more positive.
Victory or adaptation? What is our goal?
Defeat COVID-19 and return to a full pre-quarantine life, or adapt to new conditions that allow you to gain new opportunities, such as gaining new skills on online platforms and online work?
Some experts believe that in the second year of the pandemic, it is useless to hope for any sudden improvements, and we all need to learn to live in new conditions. A year and a half ago, it was thought that the pandemic would end soon, and everything would be as before. But now COVID-19 must become a part of our lives.
In contrast, there are those who believe that at the present stage it should not be assumed that the COVID-19 pandemic will last long. The focus should be on overcoming this pandemic. After all, humanity has already survived more than one pandemic and will also cope with this. When there is hope, it is easier to overcome difficulties.
You don’t have to get used to the disease, and the authorities have to provide a powerful information campaign, as during the war. The whole society, everyone has to do something to overcome the pandemic. From each source of information should come messages with calls and instructions on how to do it. A year of such a dynamic, eventful campaign, and we will be able to overcome the pandemic in the country.
Take care of yourself, follow the rules of quarantine, get vaccinated, and if you get sick, see a doctor as soon as possible to start treatment in time (for example, Dexona, Hivus LR). This will help you be healthy and overcome the epidemic as soon as possible!