Coping with COVID

Right now, everyone wants to know what they can do to keep themselves safe physically and emotionally.  Almost every client I see shares this concern. In this moment in time, we are both more alone and more together than ever before.  Social distancing, quarantine, and the loss of jobs is probably impacting you or at least one person you know/care about.

Humans are social beings that thrive on interpersonal connections. I have had countless clients focus our recent sessions on what they should do to keep their spirits high and manage the stress of limited social interaction. Here are some tips to manage the COVID crisis:

1. Eating well

• Fruits and vegetable as well as high quality proteins for balance
• Limiting snack foods
• Drink a lot! (of water, of course!)

2. Sleeping

• Maintain a sleep schedule – go to bed at the same time each evening and get up each morning
• Stop use of all devices 30 minutes prior to bed

3. Limit Screen Time

• Reduce use of social media, specifically "mindless scrolling"
• Check the news once per day, disable push  notifications

4. Exercise

• Try to get up and move every hour
• Take advantage of many newly available online classes or check out YouTube for many free workouts
• Take a walk outside (if you can  be safe and maintain social distance)

5. Mindfulness and meditation

• Engage in daily deep breathing
• Attempt to be present in the moment rather than focusing on the future

6. Find new hobbies or activities

• Identify a task that you previously have not had time for (always wanted to knit?  Now is the time! Always wanted to learn Spanish? Online classes and free apps such as DuoLingo have got you covered!)
• Read a book for fun!
• Do puzzles (jigsaw, wordsearch, Soduku)

7. Stay Social

• Watch Netflix with a friend via screen sharing
• Have online or phone dates with friends (virtual happy hours are all the rage, so are creative game nights)
• Try the new blind dating online!

I know that these times are stressful but taking some small steps to take care of your mental well-being can go a long way. Stay safe!

​-Dr. T