We are all experiencing stress related to the current health crisis, though these experiences may be a little different for each of us. It’s important to find ways to cope with stress that work for you. Revisit any of your usual stress management strategies and start practicing new ones.
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Strategies to keep in mind:
- Limit media exposure. Take breaks from media coverage around the pandemic and consider setting time limits, as some research shows excessive media exposure can have negative effects on your health.
- Take care of your physical health with healthful eating, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and limiting alcohol or other substances.
- Stay connected. While we miss being with our loved ones, there are plenty of ways to stay connected virtually with friends and family. Consider online dinner parties or joining a remote book club.
- Have fun! There are many ways to continue to engage in pleasant and enjoyable activities while home. Consider learning a new skill or catching up on a favorite hobby.
- Be Mindful. Mindfulness refers to purposeful, nonjudgmental present-moment awareness. Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce negative thinking and stress, improve mood, boost memory and concentration, and facilitate mental flexibility. A simple place to start is mindful breath awareness —just notice your breathing, as it is, without judgment. Our team has recorded mindfulness exercises here.
Additional resources:
- Visit this COVID-19 digital mental health resource website for a variety of digital options for managing your symptoms. Developed by NYC Well, from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
- A guide by Dr. Raymond Shelton, posted by the Diocese of Rockville Centre, offers general stress management techniques that can be used to manage particular stressors associated with COVID-19.
- The VA has developed an application for free download that individuals can use to help with managing stress and anxiety in response to COVID-19.