Feeling stressed about the nCoV epidemic? Chinese health experts advise people to cry "blow", punching sandbags or singing.

When attractions are closed, events are canceled and people are recommended to stay home during the long Chinese New Year holidays, Chinese people's mental health is at issue. Schools and businesses delayed reopening this week to prevent the spread of the disease, which left 427 dead and 20,623 infected.

Some provinces, such as Anhui in eastern China, offer a 24/7 hotline for people affected by epidemics to seek advice from psychologists or psychiatrists.

Health experts offer suggestions on how to relax mentally. "If you feel overwhelmed emotions, you can find a hidden corner and cry loudly for a few minutes," Yang Fude, head of the Beijing Long Guan Hospital, said when asked for advice for staff. health in the fight against viruses.

"After crying, you will feel better. After the rain it will be bright again," he added. In addition, he suggested that employees can hang sandbags in the office and spend a few minutes punching sandbags to relax.

Some internet users find his advice quite humorous. One wrote on Weibo: "Certainly we can't cry all day."

The Chinese government actively propagandizes and calls people to act responsibly. A banner at the Beijing West Railway Station reminded people to "strengthen protection of themselves, keep calm, believe in science and avoid spreading rumors".

A banner outside the Beijing housing community urged residents to "get out, wear a mask, keep distance from others and don't shake hands." Television and radio stations also constantly broadcast reminders to wash their hands frequently.

Chinese state-run television broadcasts the construction of two new field hospitals in the city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, to turn viewers into "online supervisors."

Discussion topics, funny pictures and videos about how Chinese people spend their time at home also bring laughter, helping people to be less pessimistic about the situation. One video that caught the attention was that family members played badminton indoors while wearing a mask. One even posted a picture of a homemade Mickey Mouse model with a seed coat.

In an effort to stem the spread of the virus, China restricted travel and blocked most of Hubei Province for nearly two weeks.

But experts urge people not to drink or play games to kill time at home. "While avoiding being out these days, people can reduce stress by exercising indoors or singing," said Chen Xuefeng, an expert from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"Drinking and playing games for hours are not a good way to reduce stress and can make emotions worse," she said.