Mental Health and COVID19
With everything going on in the world with COVID-19, it is common to feel more anxious or depressed. We are out of rhythm and out of control, struggling to sleep, having less social interaction, and uncertain of the future. Simple strategies can help: -if you and/or your kids are off of school & work, create a schedule to give structure to your day (there are a lot of examples floating around) -Take a walk to get fresh air and exercise -Drink water -Use technology to connect with others -Spend time with your people -Slow down and reflect on what matters most -Find purpose for your day: find a way to help someone else, organize the closet you never get to, write a letter to an old friend, find a hobby, learn something new - Pay attention to your thoughts - some thoughts breed worry and despair while others will multiply hope -Meditate or pray -Reach out to your neighbor, learn their names, ask how you can help -Practice mindfulness - if we spend today worrying about tomorrow, you will miss the beauty of the present -Acknowledge disappointments and grieve them, giving your kiddos the space to do this too. There have been a lot of cancelled plans, vacations, and events. Give yourself permission to move through the emotions rather than pretending they aren't there. -Give grace in abundance - we all respond to stress in a different way. Our fight or flight response can get activated in anxiety producing situations. Some people may go in to self-preservation mode while others cope by acting like nothing has changed; some may gather as much information as possible and watch the news non-stop while others watch Netflix 24/7. Some people will buy all the bread and toilet paper while others may not even go to the store. We don't know the story behind other people's stress responses. Judge less, love more. -With that being said, think about your own stress response so you can consciously choose your words, thoughts, and actions in the weeks ahead. -Finally, practice gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for.
