COVID-19

7 Actions You Can Take TODAY to Manage COVID-19 Stress

by Dr. Dave Miers, Ph.D, LIPC
Counseling and Program Development Manager
Mental Health Services Administration
Bryan Medical Center

1. Practice self-care through breathing and relaxation. Take a few minutes every day to take some deep breaths and think positive thoughts.
2. Start a journal, and after thinking positive thoughts, take it a step further and write them down.
3. Stay connected. Right now, it's important to keep distance, but that doesn't mean people can't connect through social media, texts or phone calls.
4. Find someone trusted to share feelings of stress and anxiety with, talk about what you're feeling to really process those thoughts.
5. Have some fun. Watch a favorite movie, go for a walk, play a game, etc.
6. Don't overexpose yourself to too much information about the pandemic. It's important to stay informed, but don't over-indulge.
7. Continue doing the big three: exercise (at home or outside, not at local gyms), maintain a healthy diet and get a good night's sleep.

4 Ways Parents Can Help Their Children Cope

1. Answer children's questions and talk about the pandemic and current situation with them.
2. Assure your children they are safe and that your family and community are prepared to handle the situation.
3. Limit children's exposure to social media and news coverage of the pandemic.
4. Keep a structure in their lives, help them plan a routine for their day, just like they'd have if they were at school.

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Manage Stress: COVID-19 Resources