With everything happening around the world, things can seem a little scary. It is easy to get overwhelmed and anxious when hearing the constant fear-inducing news about the Coronavirus. Let's help prevent the spread by staying informed.
Here are 5 ways you can 'self-care' during this crisis:
1. Stay Informed but with Boundaries
During this day and age information is being thrown at us at incredible speed. Although there are plenty of benefits to this, over-exposure to information could be more detrimental to our health/mental health than we think. Sometimes it’s okay to let ourselves have a break from excessive and continuous exposure to media, whether it’s the news or social media. It is also important to take the time to find credible, trusted resources for the information we digest and choose to share. This allows us and those around us to stay level-headed as there is a tendency to be easily overwhelmed when there is a lot of anxiety-inducing information being spread.
2. Connect despite Distance
Make sure to reach out to friends, family, or loved ones during this time. Despite social distancing, a phone-call or text message to a loved one can allow us to feel less alone. As human beings, we are social creatures so it is normal to need others in times of crisis, and true isolation is not good for our overall well-being. Use this time to spend time with family and your four-legged friends (pets)!
3. Focus on what you can “Control”
It’s stressful dealing with uncertain/unknown situations, especially situations that feel outside our control. The best way to tackle these situations is to focus on what we can control and do our very best at those things, even if they might seem like small tasks...it can make all the difference. Question your unhealthy or fear-based thoughts and challenge them with facts and a positive perspective.
Here are some things you can control right now:
- Washing your hands
- Practice Social-Distancing
- Taking a well-needed break
- Reorganizing
- Staying hydrated
4. Acknowledge, Respect, Distract
At this time, acknowledging fear and anxiety is important. These emotions are also very normal. While it’s important not to ignore these emotions, it could also be beneficial to be able to “distract” ourselves for the time being. Allowing ourselves to focus on things other than the news is necessary for our peace of mind. Take time to journal, read a new book, listen to music, focus on unfinished projects, pick up a new hobby, solve a puzzle, etc.
5. Relax
Try deep belly breathing. Laugh at funny memes. Meditate. This too shall pass.
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