Stay connected
Talk with your family, friends, and loved ones. Reach out to each other more often. Ask simple questions like, "How are you doing?" "How can I support you?" sincerely wanting to know the answers.
People who are over age 60 are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19. Older people may experience increased anxiety and fear over the COVID-19, and feel even more alone and disconnected during this time. Keep in touch through phone calls, texting, or video chats.
More people are helping others in their communities while practicing social distancing- help to buy groceries for the elderly, write a letter, or make artwork for a neighbor. Practicing acts of kindness and compassion will help you feel connected to your community.
Find a new routine
Changes in routine can be stressful. When life is uncertain, routines can help us to cope with changes, reduce anxiety, and provide comfort. Decide what is doable and try to stick to the new routine as much as possible. One small and easy way to establish a daily structure is to wake up around the same time.
Carve out time for yourself
We all need to carve out some time for ourselves, and what that looks like is different for everyone. Whether taking a walk or run outside while keeping social distancing, meditation, reading, or even watching a movie, making time much-needed respite will allow us to prevail in the present crisis.
Establish boundaries
As many workers across the country transition to remote working, boundaries are critical. Be open and honest with your colleagues about what you need and when you need it. Talk about potential challenges working from home and decide what conversations truly warrant a video call. Decide on normal working hours. Set expectations around response time to emails.
Recognize when you need more help
It is OK to need more help than you can give yourself. What we are going through is unprecedented. Your anxiety or worry – or whatever you are feeling – may be getting in the way of your daily life. Reach out to your HR or Employee Assitance Program. An increasing number of mental health professionals offer telehealth video calls with patients. Help is here if you need it.
Be grateful
Hope and gratitude are powerful. We still have so much to be grateful right now. We know this pandemic is temporary. Think about what positive things will come out of when this is over. Perhaps we realize how important self-care is to our well-being. Perhaps we will appreciate our connections with each other.