Coping with COVID-19

The last weeks were clearly a wake-up call for all of us. It has changed our familiar routines and practices and for many it has created significant new challenges. While our focus these days is on staying physically healthy, please remember that maintaining good mental health habits are just as important! Increased stress can increase our susceptibility to illness. Right now, there is much in the world that is uncertain, however, we can spend time focusing on building inner strength and resilience. Here are some ideas and behaviors that I’m implementing towards that aim: 

Helpful:

• Being mindful of what I can and cannot control 
• Adjusting expectations for myself and others
• Guarding against the impact of the catastrophic thinking of others
• Establishing a routine that builds a new sense of (hopefully, temporary) normality
• Preparing myself as if I’m going to the office even as I work from home 
• Cooking and eating healthy meals
• Walking daily and exercising regularly
• Get adequate rest and quality sleep
• Staying in regular contact with friends and family
• Making time for self-reflection, journaling, deep breathing, and meditation
• Looking for the "silver-linings”

Unhelpful:

• Excessively watching or listening to news — especially from sensational outlets
• Excessively consuming “junk food” or alcohol
• Unstructured and inactive days
• Excessive social disconnection
• Engaging in and establishing unhealthy “binge habits” such as non-stop watching of movies and other shows

Here are a few links that I found helpful:

• Up to date medical information: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/
• Mental and emotional information: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp
• Physical care: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/style/self-care/isolation-exercise-meditation-coronavirus.html?referringSource=articleShare

These are challenging times, but it also an excellent time to reconsider our priorities going forward. The human spirit is strong and remains indomitable! Keep up all your good work and do not hesitate to reach out to me if you are feeling excessively challenged. 

With best wishes!

Dr. Hasty

therapy@angelahasty.com

510-263-5280