coronavirus
Stress comes from within; it is your reaction to circumstances, not the circumstances themselves.
Brian Tracy
Between the virus itself and the unique challenges and difficult decisions it presents, there’s no shortage of reasons to feel stressed right now.
But, believe it or not, you have much more control over your stress than you may realize!
Today we’re sharing 5 emotional wellness tips for coping with coronavirus stress:
1. Choose information sources wisely.
With the 24-hour news cycle pushing new updates to our devices round the clock, it’s easy to get caught up in the belief that you “must” stay constantly tuned in for your own safety. But, for many of us, the continuous flow of information is actually more harmful than helpful. Your best course of action? Choose no more than a few sources of information, and tune out the rest. (Note: If you’re finding it difficult to tune out the noise, try disabling news alerts and push notifications on your devices. You can set a reminder to check for updates at a set time each day, but resist the urge to check repeatedly.)
2. Prioritize “the basics” of self-care.
Sleep. Nutrition. Physical activity. A structured routine. With kids home from school and many of us transitioning to remote work, there’s no time like the present to get serious about your schedule. Take a few minutes to time block your day and make sure everyone in the household is getting the sleep, nourishment, hydration, exercise, work, play, and quiet time they need.
3. Find new ways of connecting.
Considering we humans are wired for connection, the concept of social distancing may seem like a recipe for loneliness. But, helping flatten the curve doesn’t have to mean cutting yourself off from important social supports. Now’s the time to rethink how you connect with the people you care about. Plan remote coworking sessions, share a meal with friends via video chat, attend an online workshop… employ your creativity to find new ways of being “with” people, despite the distance.
4. Embrace nature.
Self-isolation doesn’t mean trapping yourself indoors. Treat yourself to the healing properties of fresh air, sunshine, and the sounds of nature. Round up the kids and go exploring in your own yard. Sit by an open window to read or journal. Even a simple walk around the neighborhood can become a welcome, sensory experience.
5. Be of service.
You’ve seen the stories of supply-hoarding. Perhaps you’ve witnessed it firsthand… or even felt the impulse to stockpile, yourself. It’s normal to experience fear during times of crisis, but when we react impulsively, we increase the risk of causing harm. (And it actually heightens our fear in the long run.) The antidote? Look beyond your own needs, to identify ways you might be of service to others. Have an overflow of resources? Share them with a neighbor in need. Home this week with some extra time on your hands? Help a friend or family member meal plan from items in their pantry, or brainstorm activities for their kids. Even reaching out by text to share a funny meme or word of encouragement can mean the world to someone in your sphere of influence. And in the process, it’ll help you, too.
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Struggling with coronavirus stress?