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Keeping your Calm during the Coronavirus

Mar 15, 2020


  • Limit your news exposure. It’s okay to be informed, but over-exposure to negative news can wreak havoc on your mental well-being. On top of it, stress puts our immune system at risk, which is exactly what we want to avoid!
  • Try a hobby. When our minds are pre-occupied with something unpleasant, that is the perfect time to take on a task, do a craft, color, clean, etc. Activities like these have an amazing way of “changing the station” in our brain and getting us “un-stuck” from negative thoughts.
  • Stay connected. It is easy to isolate in times like these. Take the necessary precautions to stay safe, but remember that we benefit from socialization, and being alone in our solitude only leads to more negative thinking and fear.
  • If you panic. First, avoid saying, “Don’t panic” to yourself or anyone else; it only intensifies the fear. Instead, find ways to ride-it-out. No panic attack lasts forever, and it is a normal response to fear.
    • Picture a balloon in your belly. When you breathe in you want to fill up that balloon and watch your stomach expand. When you exhale, let that balloon deflate. Repeat, in a slow, rhythmic fashion, allowing that breath deep into your belly. (Note: Laying on the floor or a bed can help allow you to see this motion).
    • Pick a category (animals, cars, names). Then go through the alphabet, naming something from your category for each letter. If you get stuck, move to the next letter. This is a quick way to disengage panic.
  • Call for help. Friends and family can be a good source to talk things out, or even to talk about something different and get your mind off it. However, if you find yourself struggling with anxiety and worry more often than not, it may be time to take it to the professionals. You can all us during our operating hours M-F at 947-5025. Let them know you saw this flyer and if a counselor is free for a quick chat, we would be happy to arrange that. If needed, we can help you schedule an appointment. In case you need to talk to someone outside of our hours, please call Crisis Services at 834-3131.