On March 11, 2020, both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic due to the coronavirus. The coronavirus has affected 192 countries and territories worldwide and 1 International conveyance, the Diamond Princess Cruise ship. It has steadily been causing vast amounts of turmoil in most households around the world.

Only to add the apprehension things have occurred, no one ever thought they would see in their lifetime. Starting with sporting event cancellations, school closings, mass shortages of personal protective equipment in hospitals, delaying elective surgeries, borders closing to International travelers, malls with either adjusted hours or closing altogether, restaurants only offering take-out, grocery store’s shelves are pretty much empty, employers being forced to allow employees to work from home if the work permits or laying employees off because they can’t afford them,  and I am sure there is more that I didn’t remember.

Even though it will not be easy, we all need to find ways to calm our overactive anxiety and feelings of distress. First, how many times do you check for updates regarding the coronavirus? Second question, how many news outlets, whether it is TV or online news sources? It may help your anxiety and stress levels if you try limiting the number of times you check for updates, such as no more than 2 times a day and NEVER right before bed. It is also very important to choose a credible news outlet for your source. It could provide you additional security to have at least two trustworthy sites because it will allow you to fact check the information.

No matter where we live, we are all in this together and will be until things start to improve. Not to sound negative, but things will probably get even worse before they begin to get better. It is critical to listen to and rely on trustworthy news outlets and actual public health experts. It doesn’t matter who the politician is, they did not dedicate their lives to healthcare.

What does your body go through when stress and anxiety reach extremely high levels? What exactly is causing you the most worry? What do you fear the most right now? Is there anything you can do to make what you are worried about easier or end altogether? Allow your mind the time and honesty to answer these questions. Maybe this will distract you some and provide you clarity of your feelings.

The unfortunate truth is we have no control of this virus, but we do have control of what we do and how we cope with major situations. I am going to share some ideas that may provide distractions to relieve your anxious mind.

• Connect with family and friends via video chat, phone calls, emails, and social media.
• Yoga- If you have not practiced yoga before and want to start, now might be a good time because learning and trying new things could be enjoyable and a healthy distraction.
• Meditation- If you have never meditated before, that’s okay because there are numerous apps available that are easy to follow, such as https://www.headspace.com/ and https://www.calm.com/. You could also visit Bella’s website https://thoughtsnlifeblog.com/. Bella has many posts about meditation that are absolutely amazing and helpful.
• Controlled breathing, which is called square breathing. Imagine your breath traveling along a square. Inhale up the first side of the square, count to 3, and exhale. Do this on all sides of the square!
• Read a good book
• Watch a comedy
• Eat familiar foods that you enjoy
• Free yourself from stress by coloring
• Form a calming atmosphere with sweet aromas
• Get out your knitting, crocheting, sewing or any other creative craft you enjoy
• Take a warm bubble bath to drown your stress away
• Contemplate with your journal. If you do not have a journal, it might help you to start one now
• Pour yourself a warm cup of tea
• Refresh yourself and skin with a facial mask
• Get a deck of cards, puzzle or board game out to play

We do not really know how long we will continue being in monumental amounts of turbulence. We realize there is so much we do not have control over, such as how long we will be dealing with this pandemic, how many people will suffer because of it, or how our communities will be affected. None of this is easy to accept or even understand, but there are several ways we can reduce our personal risks of obtaining the virus.

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth in particular
• Even if you do not feel sick, stay home as much as you can
• Avoid crowds and gathering with more than 10 people
• Avoid all non-essential shopping and travel
• Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when out
• To help support your immune system, get plenty of sleep
• Follow ALL recommendation from health establishments

While we remain in distressing time we need to not forget to care for our body and spirit. The following ideas are ways we can tend to our self-care while we deal with disturbances caused by the coronavirus

• Be kind to yourself:

If you’re experiencing depression and or anxiety, go easy on yourself and know you are not alone

• Maintain a routine as much as you can:

Even though you might be confined to your house, continue your normal sleep, meals, and work schedule

• Make time for the activities you enjoy:

Read that book you’ve been meaning to start, play games you find enjoyable, cook something, and create something or anything else to occupy your mind from the stress you have been feeling

• If possible get out in nature:

Sunshine and fresh can be beneficial for our mental and physical health. Whatever you do, obey the restrictions that have been put in place, keep your distance from people you may encounter, and avoid crowds

• Find ways to exercise:

Of course, all gyms and exercise classes will be closed, but you can find alternative ways to exercise. Staying active will help relieve stress, anxiety, and even manage our moods. Get creative with what you are able to do without equipment, such as using your own bodyweight to exercise

• Avoid self-medicating:

Be cautious about using alcohol or other substances to control your anxiety and depression

Thank you for taking the time to visit my site today. I hope the information provided will be beneficial for you and your family. Times are anything but easy right now, but hopefully things will start improving very soon. I hope you have a great afternoon and you are feeling the best you can. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , comfort, and many positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa

 

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