Feeling Stressed? Pandemics can be stressful…What You Can Do!

We are living in a frightening time. The coronavirus is holding everyone hostage. One day cities and states are saying they are reopening and the next day, all chaos breaks loose, and they are closing down again.

If you turn on the television news, their numbers scare the living daylights out of you as you watch the number of deaths from the coronavirus go up. (It is now over 125,000 deaths in the United States.)

With doom and gloom on the television every day, no wonder we are stressed. Not to mention this virus impacts each of us differently.  Some of us are worried about our own health, or the health of a loved one. Some of us are worried about our financial situation. Some of us are worried about a job or the support system or services that we may rely on.

Whatever form your stress or anxiety takes there are things you can do to take control over your stress and anxiety.

First up. Set limits on how much television you watch and place special emphasis to the news. Watching too much news can be a bad thing. Take a break from watching the news. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. If nightmares are stalking, you. Some health official suggests turning off the television or not watching the news at least one hour before you go to bed. Relax and or meditate if possible, to ensure a good night sleep before going to bed. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible.

Take care of your body. Exercise regularly. Watch what you eat. Drink plenty of water.

Take care of your mental health.  Connect with others like minded souls such as yourself. Remember that “emotions are contagious,” so be wise about who you turn to for support.  Remember Mother’s wise words. “Everybody ain’t your friend.”

Be kind to yourself.

Maintain a routine. Get regular nightly sleep, whenever possible. If you are in school or have online classes, maintain those routines. The same with your meals, keep your mealtime a regular routine also. By doing these things it can help you maintain a sense of normalcy.

Maintain healthy relationships and build a strong support system.

Take a break. Take time to yourself throughout the day.  Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help renew your sense of self.  

Take time out for activities you enjoy. Read a good book, watch a comedy, play a fun board or video game, make something—try a new recipe, a craft, or a piece of art. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it takes you out of your worries.

Get out in nature, if possible. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Even a walk around your neighborhood can make you feel better. Just be sure to avoid crowds, keep your distance from people you encounter, and wear a mask, if you have one. Better to be safe, than sorry.

Avoid self-medicating. Be careful that you’re not using alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression.

Are you in crisis?  Here are some audio meditations that can help you relieve stress. 

For audio meditations that can help you relieve anxiety and regain inner calm, click here.