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.