How do I manage my mental health during the Coronavirus?

Lenten Reflection #35

Experiencing and processing our emotions during this time of uncertainty may be new for some of us. Personally, running and exercise provide the daily respite I need to keep my sanity.

Luckily, there are several ways for all of us to manage this new inevitable stress seeping into our lives.

According to the CDC:

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Here’s what they recommend:

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

1. Take care of your body.
2. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
3. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
4. Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
5. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
6. Make time to unwind. 
7. Do other activities you enjoy.
8. Connect with others.
9. Sleep – it will improve your brain health.
10. Know the long term effects of social isolation.
    

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With the spread continuing and the fear of what lies ahead looming, we must continue to optimize our human resilience. People throughout history have made it through terrible times and as their descendants, we will too.