A pandemic can be a global crisis, and feelings of stress, sadness, anger and confusion are normal reactions. It takes time to adapt to a crisis and to create new ways to respond to it. While many often focus on the negatives, a crisis can also be an opportunity for positive change.
The challenges you face will vary based on your specific situation. You may be working from home, or you may have a profession that puts you on the front line. You may be a working parent dealing with multiple tasks at the same time. Or you may not be working temporarily, or afraid of losing your job.
Here are some general principles that may help you managing distress:
- Keep your attention in the present. If it is possible for you, practice breathing exercises or mindfulness, especially at the onset of anxious thoughts.
- Even if the internet is your way to keep informed, try to avoid overexposure to media. A constant stream of information can be difficult to manage.
- Focus attention on hobbies and personal interests. Create some “you time.“
- Keep in touch with your loved ones by phone or video calls.
- Exercise can be a helpful coping strategy. Participate in some physical activity, especially if you can do it easily at home.
- Realize that it’s normal to feel some emotions: sadness, anger, fear. Take some time to name what you are feeling.
- Try to identify the things you can have control over and focus on them. Strive to let go of those things that you can’t control.
- Develop self-compassion. Multi-tasking, especially when you have young children at home, can be a challenge.
- If possible, find ways to help others. Can you sew masks? Are you able to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor?
- Consider creating a new schedule according to your needs.
If your stress and anxiety persist in spite of taking these recommended steps, contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your primary care physician who may refer you to a behavioral health specialist.
A pandemic can be a global crisis, and feelings of stress, sadness, anger and confusion are normal reactions. It takes time to adapt to a crisis and to create new ways to respond to it. While many often focus on the negatives, a crisis can also be an opportunity for positive change.
The challenges you face will vary based on your specific situation. You may be working from home, or you may have a profession that puts you on the front line. You may be a working parent dealing with multiple tasks at the same time. Or you may not be working temporarily, or afraid of losing your job.
Here are some general principles that may help you managing distress:
- Keep your attention in the present. If it is possible for you, practice breathing exercises or mindfulness, especially at the onset of anxious thoughts.
- Even if the internet is your way to keep informed, try to avoid overexposure to media. A constant stream of information can be difficult to manage.
- Focus attention on hobbies and personal interests. Create some “you time.“
- Keep in touch with your loved ones by phone or video calls.
- Exercise can be a helpful coping strategy. Participate in some physical activity, especially if you can do it easily at home.
- Realize that it’s normal to feel some emotions: sadness, anger, fear. Take some time to name what you are feeling.
- Try to identify the things you can have control over and focus on them. Strive to let go of those things that you can’t control.
- Develop self-compassion. Multi-tasking, especially when you have young children at home, can be a challenge.
- If possible, find ways to help others. Can you sew masks? Are you able to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor?
- Consider creating a new schedule according to your needs.
If your stress and anxiety persist in spite of taking these recommended steps, contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your primary care physician who may refer you to a behavioral health specialist.
A pandemic can be a global crisis, and feelings of stress, sadness, anger and confusion are normal reactions. It takes time to adapt to a crisis and to create new ways to respond to it. While many often focus on the negatives, a crisis can also be an opportunity for positive change.
The challenges you face will vary based on your specific situation. You may be working from home, or you may have a profession that puts you on the front line. You may be a working parent dealing with multiple tasks at the same time. Or you may not be working temporarily, or afraid of losing your job.
Here are some general principles that may help you managing distress:
- Keep your attention in the present. If it is possible for you, practice breathing exercises or mindfulness, especially at the onset of anxious thoughts.
- Even if the internet is your way to keep informed, try to avoid overexposure to media. A constant stream of information can be difficult to manage.
- Focus attention on hobbies and personal interests. Create some “you time.“
- Keep in touch with your loved ones by phone or video calls.
- Exercise can be a helpful coping strategy. Participate in some physical activity, especially if you can do it easily at home.
- Realize that it’s normal to feel some emotions: sadness, anger, fear. Take some time to name what you are feeling.
- Try to identify the things you can have control over and focus on them. Strive to let go of those things that you can’t control.
- Develop self-compassion. Multi-tasking, especially when you have young children at home, can be a challenge.
- If possible, find ways to help others. Can you sew masks? Are you able to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor?
- Consider creating a new schedule according to your needs.
If your stress and anxiety persist in spite of taking these recommended steps, contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your primary care physician who may refer you to a behavioral health specialist.