Tips for Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of anxiety, uncertainty, grief and loss to our lives. These are unprecedented times, so below are tips to cope with all the changes and emotions occurring in this pandemic.
Create a Routine: In times of uncertainty, a routine can help bring structure to your day. A routine and structure can also help kiddos adjust to the current changes. It might be helpful to post the routine in a place you can easily see it each day.
Be Creative: Creativity is a great way to process emotions and reduce stress. Pull out some art supplies to make something to hang in your room or give to a friend.
Move Your Body: Stress and emotions are stored in the body and can have a physical impact if not addressed. Moving your body (walking, stretching, dancing, or working out) can help you process your emotions and provide endorphins. Aim to move your body for 30 minutes per day. Below is a link to at-home workout classes. YouTube is also a great resource.
Workout Classes: https://www.youtube.com/planetfitness
Get Outside: Sunshine provides vitamin D, which helps your mood and immune health. Additionally, time in the sun can help boost melatonin levels and assist with better sleep at night. 30 minutes of direct sunlight is recommended per day, but don’t forget your sunscreen.
Limit News Intake: While it’s important to stay informed, it can be overwhelming to be initiated with all the information about the current pandemic. To manage the abundance of news, pick one trusted news source and check in once per day. Remember, social media also displays news content.
Relax: Times of high long-term stress leads to overuse of the sympathetic system (fight or flight). You can learn more about this in my recent blog https://www.coopercounselingcenter.com/blog/autonomicnervoussystem. To balance out your system, it is important to relax and access your parasympathetic system. Yoga, meditation, and relaxation support your parasympathetic system. Below are links to a meditation app and yoga app to help you get started.
Meditation: https://www.headspace.com/health-covid-19
Yoga: https://www.downdogapp.com/
Eat Healthy: It is common to reach for comforting foods in times of stress. Remember that there is a strong connection between your gut and brain health, so when we eat healthy, it has a positive impact on our mood. If you are craving unhealthy foods, ask yourself what is your underlying need. Then work to meet that need with a healthy outlet. Balance is the key and it’s okay to enjoy treats.
Connect With Others: People are meant for connection and interaction, so it is important to maintain a connection with others while practicing social distancing. Technology is a great resource right now and can help us interact with our friends and loved ones. Set aside time to Facetime with someone daily or schedule a virtual game night with friends. Write a letter to someone or reconnect with a friend.