Quarantine Survival Guide: How To Beat The Cabin Fever

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 Due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, many countries have imposed community quarantine. As we are practicing social distancing and our abilities to go to outside are restricted, many of us have felt the "cabin fever" in one way or the other. What exactly is cabin fever?

 Cabin fever is not categorized as a Psychological disorder yet. However, its origins date back to the early 1800s when people were home bound due to the typhus fever. It is the unpleasant feeling experienced by a person in isolation for a period of time. It was recently described by Mr. Vaile Wright, who is a Psychologist and a Director of clinical research and quality at the American Psychological Association.

 According to him, cabin fever: "involves a range of negative emotions and distress related to restricted movement: irritability, boredom, some hopelessness and even, behaviorally, restlessness and difficulty concentrating. Those would be the constellation of symptoms one might expect if they were feeling that way."

 Many people can perceive being in a quarantine as being trapped in an isolation chamber created to protect us. Boredom, irritability, and hopelessness are some of the most common emotions you see on social media platforms these days. It is perfectly normal to be scared when faced with this serious pandemic that has taken many lives. Know that your feelings are valid.

How An Anxiety Attack Changed My View On Life

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LUB-DUB, LUB-DUB, LUB-DUB


 I heard my heart pound as fast as it could! It was as if horses want to escape out of my chest. I was getting dizzier as time passed. Not to mention, I was sweating profusely. Every hair on my body went up! I knew I needed a break. My body's alarm system craved my attention.

 WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

 I am happy to walk you through the beginning. From a young age, my parents and my resources have blessed with the academic skills to do well in school. I was consistently in the "higher level classes" and have been in the honor roll. I finished with undergraduate degree when I was 19 and earned Second-class honours (i.e., 2i or Magna cum laude). Soon after, I fulfilled my childhood dream by becoming an author. Few years down the road, I had set my mind to a distinct career path. I was offered a coveted promotion that people typically receive at the height of their careers.

 By merely reading the above paragraph, you will get a grasp of how seemingly fast-paced my life is. Imagine my initial reaction!

Life Lessons: The Day I Thought I Was Going To Die

abnormal psychology

By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
As the wheels of the aircraft were getting ready for take-off, the surge of negative emotions deep inside me were too. In my mind, I thought that was the day I was going to die.

 4 hours before…

 Before reaching the airport, the nationwide scare brought by the "Tanim Bala Scam" urged the passengers of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Philippines) to cover-up their baggages securely. 

 Allegedly, officials "plant" live ammunition in the unsuspecting passenger's luggage and then busting this international traveler for having bullets in his bag. Victims of this scam were asked to pay a hefty fine or to face the consequences of "their" actions (i.e., imprisonment and fines). 

 And, nobody wants to become a victim! Not even me. 

5 Mental Strategies To Ace Your Exams Like A Champion

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By: Anna Agoncillo
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Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
If you are reading this, chances are you have had your share of exam anxiety. Do not fret, it happens to everyone!

 Fortunately, you can manage your anxiety and stress to fuel your performance through the use of efficient Mental Strategies. These 5 Mental Strategies will help you boost your Mental Toughness and later on lead you to perform better:

 1. IGNITE THE INTENTION TO SUCCEED

 To build awareness of what needs to happen and to stay on track of your task, you must set your "study goals" first. Goal setting involves two things namely: (a.) identifying your goals and (b.) knowing the essential resources.

 It is not enough to say that you want to study more; you must make your goals S.M.A.R.T. A S.M.A.R.T. goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Based (e.g., 4 hours of study time daily). Furthermore, you shall prepare a study place that is conducive for learning.

 2. TAKE ACTION

 Once your goals are clearly set, you must confidently take your first attempt. It might be too much to drastically start with 4 hours of study time a day, so start with at least 45 minutes daily. Give continued  effort to the task as effort is power.

 You can also analyze the factors that hinder you from studying, such as distractions from external noises or too much texting. Then, add another goal that is fit to counteract these distractions such turning your hand-phone off for 2 hours.
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Artist Transforms Mental Disorders Into Illustrated Monsters

abnormal psychology

By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
In 2013, an artist by the name of Toby Allen created the artworks of "real life monsters" that had been crippling the lives of several people.

 His intention is not to make light of these serious mental disorders but instead; he wanted these so-called monsters to appear more manageable and relatable. True enough, these mental disorders are more manageable with the guidance of qualified professionals that suitable use treatments such as Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology. 

 See his imaginative creations here:

 1. ANXIETY

Free Apps: 5 FREE Mental Health Apps To Improve Your Life

abnormal psychology

By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: CAFNR via Flickr
There is a wide selection of Apps that will help improve your physical, emotional, and mental health. Hidden through it all are these free yet efficient gems we all should have…

1. MINDSHIFT

 Available on Android and iOS

 Tired of running away from anxiety? Then, face it with MindShift App. Developed by Anxiety BC, MindShift App is designed to help individuals to cope efficiently with anxiety. It teaches its users to develop new thinking, healthy activities, and relaxation skills designed to cope with anxiety (e.g., performance or social anxiety), worry, panic, and more.
Image Credits: MindShift via Itunes

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