Tips for coping in these difficult times
March 30, 2020
Given the situation with COVID-19, your fear of illness and other worries may be heightened. If you're feeling anxious, remember that you are not alone. When we experience uncertainty about the future, it's normal to feel stressed.
Here are a few tips to help you alleviate your stress and stay healthy.
Take care of your mental and physical health:
- Eat well and avoid over-eating
- Try new healthy recipes
- Exercise
- There are many great programs online that you can do in your living room
- Look for one that suits you
- You can hold bottles or food cans to add some resistance
- Get some fresh air
- Remember to keep a 2-metre distance from others
- Reduce stress and anxiety through meditation, deep breathing and positive self-talk
- Engage in a creative activity, reading or any other activity that typically relaxes you
- Stick to reliable news sources, for example, the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada
- Take a break from social media and the news if it becomes too distressing
Keep busy:
- Play board games
- Make it a group activity using FaceTime or Skype
- Stay connected
- Call up a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, have virtual dinner dates with friends and find new ways to connect
- Start a gratitude journal
Remember the recommendations:
- Avoid touching your face
- When in public, always keep a 2-metre distance from others
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Leave only if necessary
- Self-isolate if you have any symptoms
- Disinfect frequently touched objects, like door knobs, electronics, light switches, countertops and faucets
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
While these uncertain times may cause a lot of anxiety, remember that we’re all in this together. Keep these tips in mind as you take care of your mental and physical health and reach out for help if you need it. PSPC has many other health and wellness resources on GCcollab to support you.
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