If you’re finding it more difficult to manage stress and anxiety,
there’s a perfectly valid reason: living through a global pandemic
isn’t normal at all. In fact, there is research to suggest that
because our society has never experienced this kind of situation, our
brains are not able to adequately process what is happening and how our
bodies should react. The good news is we have more tools than ever to
help manage how we feel and how we respond. Try these five doctor-approved
ways to achieve peace-of-mind in a time of heightened stress, isolation
and uncertainty.
Tip 1: Check In With Yourself
It sounds like the easy part, but for some, this is the hardest task of
all. Look closely at your habits and feelings: Are you sleeping well?
Are you staying (virtually) connected with friends and family, or are
you retreating? Do you feel safe and supported, or in constant fear?
With self-quarantine and shelter-in-place as the new norm, your daily patterns
have probably changed. Look closely at your emotional wellbeing and mental
health, and take some time to reflect on how you’re feeling. Use
this information to determine where you need to adjust, and then make
time for those adjustments.
Bonus tip: Even a small amount of physical activity can increase endorphins
and improve your mood. Take a moment to stretch or head outside for a
short walk; anything that gets you moving can help curb anxiety and stress.
Tip 2: Stay Informed, But Not Obsessed
Information (and in some cases, misinformation) about COVID-19 is changing
every day. While it’s vital to stay up to date with the latest developments
and preventive measures, make sure you look to trusted experts—both
globally and in your community—for the most accurate news.
Stick to trustworthy sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the World Health Organization and your community health system—especially
because their doctors are closest to how the situation is unfolding in
your area. Limit how often you check for updates and step away from social
media entirely if you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Tip 3: Focus on What You Can Control
If it feels like the world is spinning out of control with every news story,
take heart in one thing: your health is still within your control and
there are many things you can do to safeguard it.
Wash your hands frequently—for at least 20 seconds—with soap
and warm water, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
until you can wash with soap and water. Stay home, avoid crowds and limit
nonessential trips. Practice vigilance when disinfecting the surfaces
in your home and any groceries you bring in. Try not to touch your face,
eat well and get plenty of sleep to help keep your immune system strong.
Tip 4: Connect with Others—Virtually
Social distancing, while undeniably one of the best things we can do to
help stop the spread of COVID-19, comes at a cost. Humans are hardwired
for connection. It sustains and supports us. But physical distance doesn’t
have to mean walling off the relationships we count on.
Make it a priority to stay in touch with friends and family by scheduling
regular phone, chat, Zoom or Skype dates. And use social media to create
positive connections on a larger scale: with your community, the country,
the world. Those connections and shared stories can give us a greater
sense of purpose and inspire others to take safety precautions for the
health of all.
Tip 5: Take Care of Your Physical Self
Remember when life was too busy to work out or cook a healthy meal? With
the many disruptions to our daily schedule that COVID-19 is causing, time
to take care of our body, mind and spirit feels abundant.
Eat healthy meals. Look up a new recipe and cook it with your family or
over video chat with a friend. Get plenty of sleep to keep your immune
system strong. Try yoga, meditation, or journaling to encourage mindfulness
and reduce anxiety. Find ways to be active. Go for a walk or try an indoor
workout. Lifting a toddler isn’t too far from lifting a kettlebell!
Most of all, carve out a routine that works for you.
Lastly, if you’re well enough to help someone else, you’ll
feel better for it. Send an uplifting text, donate to food banks, pick
up groceries for an older neighbor or be a source of calm for someone
that needs a listening ear. We’re all in this together, and together,
we’ll see it through.
Find more facts, safety tips and COVID-19 resources here.