We hope this newsletter finds you healthy and safe. There’s no question that the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a stressful, anxious, and fearful time for everyone. We are all adjusting to the day to day life indoors. Diseases in general often incite fear and anxiety but many have found this particularly pandemic to be overwhelming and cause for strong emotion.
During this crisis it’s important to be kind to yourself, loved ones, and friends. There is no set deadline, band-aid, or cure for this crisis. Even the experts aren’t able to say for certain when it will be over. In response we’ve put together a list of helpful tips and words of encouragement intended to help you get through this critical time in our history. By incorporating these self-care activities and tips into each day, you will increase the likelihood of having a healthy future while in quarantine.
Before we begin let’s first clarify what self-care really means? It is the active process of acknowledging and tending to your needs. It includes practices and/or activities that directly contribute to your general wellness. This can include preventative measures such as eating nutritious foods, staying active, and getting adequate rest.
Stay informed – but don’t obsessively check the news
It’s important to stay informed particularly about what’s happening in your community so you can adhere to safety precautions and do your part to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
- Stick to trustworthy sources such as the CDC, the World Health Organization, and your local public health authorities.
- Limit how often you check for updates – constant monitoring of news and social media feeds can quickly turn compulsive and counterproductive – fueling anxiety rather than easing it. Pay attention to how you’re feeling when processing the news reports and adjust your intake accordingly.
- Step away from the media if you start feeling overwhelmed. If anxiety is an ongoing issue, consider limiting your media consumption to a specific time frame as well as time of day.
Utilize Coping Skills
Take time out for activities you enjoyRead a good book, watch a comedy, play a fun board or video game, try a new recipe, make something – whether it’s a craft or a work of art. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as it mentally separates you from your worries.
Be kind to yourself and others
Maintain a routine as best as you can
