NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 & MENTAL WELLNESS
#coronavirus #covid19 #mentalwellness
Staying positive and living without fear/worry during a pandemic will challenge our mental health. Please use technology and social media to stay connected while you practice social distancing. Social distancing will save lives even if you do not completely understand how. Get creative on how you spend time alone and/or with family. Start spring cleaning early. Make a list of all the things you wanted to do around the house but couldn’t. Create art! Read that book you’ve put off. Re-frame any negative thoughts to positive thoughts. Say those positive thoughts as affirmations out loud! "I am good enough!" "There is good coming." "I am worthy." "This too shall pass." It is so important not to give into hysteria.
Check in with WHO (World Health Organization) and the CDC for accurate information. "Corona-viruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. A novel corona-virus (nCoV) is a NEW strain that has not been previously identified in humans." On January 30th of 2020, the WHO Director-General declared the novel corona-virus (2019-nCoV) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Limit the news, tracking stats and be careful what you read. Have breaks from social media (facebook, instagram, twitter) and mute things which are triggering.
This pandemic, COVID-19, can leads to panic attacks, depression, anxiety, fear, worry and hysteria. Yes, unfortunately we have heard way too many stories of people hoarding toilet paper, fighting over toilet paper/water/food items, buying bulk hand sanitizers with plans to resell them at inflated prices and even stores price gouging. All of these behaviors AND the state of affairs can be incredibly triggering especially if you already struggle with a mental illness. So, limit the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which aren't making you feel better. Limit even talking with folks that are triggering! It's okay to have a difference of opinions but never let it cost you peace of mind. Just respectfully separate from the situation. That is your right to set healthy boundaries.
Perhaps decide on a specific time to check in with the news and updates.
There is a lot of misinformation swirling around - stay informed by sticking to trusted sources of information such as WHO (World Health Organization) and the CDC (Center for Disease Control). I cannot stress this enough, please listen to experts.
When and/or if you get overwhelmed, it is so important that you identify what you can control vs cannot control but focus on what you CAN CONTROL. Be mindful of your self-talk. Be kind to yourself and repeat positive affirmation mantras.
SOME THINGS TO DO...
Virtually
FaceTime Party.
FaceTime Dance Off!
FaceTime Charades.
Visit Museums/Zoos/Google Maps.
Marco Polo Video App.
SnapChat Stories.
Instagram Live.
Surf Instagram. DJ's are live streaming for FREE!
Look up and collect recipes to try out.
FaceBook connections/games.
Learn a new skill.
Take an online class.
Learn another language.
Create a travel Wishlist.
Watch Netflix Party via FB.
Games on your phone you play solo or against others like Word With Friends.
At Home
Create a list of DIY projects you've been meaning to do! Spring cleaning.
Organize your closets.
Read.
Meditate.
Write poetry.
Write music.
Create art.
Make jewelry.
Sew.
Journal.
Art Journal.
Travel Journal.
Create a photo album.
Plan your next vacation.
Create a Vision Board of your goals.
Organize your photos on your phone and laptop.
Clean out that email inbox! Yikes! I need to do that. LOL
AND very important: REST, HYDRATE & MEDITATE!
Take care of yourself and your loved ones. We will get through this life challenge together. We are in this together. United we must be.