For many of us, the COVID-19 illness can make us uncertain about the future. Fear, worry, and anxiety are common reactions to this time of uncertainty. You may be worried about your own health and the health of your loved ones, while trying to juggle your job, parenting, patient care and other stressors in life. Concerns around finances, community connection, food security and schooling become a reality for many of us. This can lead to feeling helpless or hopeless, remember, that you are not alone. Everyone reacts to stressful situations differently–taking care of yourself, supporting people you love and encouraging others around you to practice self care is crucial right now.
While anxiety is a normal response to a pandemic, too much stress can start to take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. With the amount of access we have to news and social media sources, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the circulating and quickly-changing information. We have provided resources to help manage your stress and help you reconnect to what is important to you–values in your life. Please use this page to help guide you in times of high anxiety.
Free Guided Mindful Meditation Practices
Engaging in nonjudgmental present-moment awareness can help you detach from your anxious thoughts. It allows you to create breathing space around you so that your worries do not consume you. It teaches you how to respond to stress with awareness of what is happening in the moment. This allows you to acknowledge feelings of discomfort and gain insight into your concerns. There are different types of guided mindful meditations ranging from breath-focused, to body and sound-focused. Please
Distractions
Although distraction is not a healthy long term solution to anxiety, if used momentarily, it can provide feelings of relief and control. Using healthy distraction can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Below you will find ways to engage in healthy distraction to help you reconnect to humor, reignite your creative side and participate in pleasurable activities.
Activities
Spirituality
During tough times like these, we may start to feel that our beliefs about our self, others and the world are being challenged. For some, gravitating to our spirituality and/or religious beliefs provides us a sense of meaning and control. Finding ways to reconnect to your spirituality during this time of uncertainity can be very helpful.
Podcast Sources – Spirituality & Health
Social Connection
Social distance does not mean social isolation, connection is so important during this time. Reaching out (virtually) to the people you care about can help mitigate feelings of worry and fear. More so, social networks are crucial to helping communities survive and recover from disasters. Find ways to enhance your social connection during this time and remember to provide compassion to yourself and others around you.
Helpful Websites
