We wanted to share this awesome article from Dr. Adelayo. It provides some tips that can help ease your heart and mind through challenging times:
1. Focus on the facts
Follow reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Banner Health, for the latest information on COVID-19. Knowing the facts and what you can do to lower your risk can be helpful in reducing stress.
2. Talk it out
Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. It’s particularly important for kids of all ages to talk through what they are hearing with a trusted adult.
“Children and teens react on what they see and hear from their parents and other adults,” Dr. Adelayo says. “Take time to talk to them about COVID-19, provide them with facts and reassure them they are safe. If you have an anxious child, limit the family’s exposure to social media and the news.”
3. Limit news and social media
Incessantly listening, watching and following the pandemic can add to anxiety and uncertainty. With endless posts from concerned and worried friends and family and repetitive news stories on TV, try to limit time to a couple times a day.
“It may even help to remove all your app notifications and schedule time to get news updates,” Dr. Adelayo says.
4. Take care of yourself
“While some may have to still work from home, take this opportunity from going, going, going and focus on you and your family’s well-being,” Dr. Adelayo says. “If you can, go for walks together, stream a fitness class, read a book and take this time to refocus. Schedule/calendar in “mandatory fun time” so you can take your mind away from work and current events.”
Make sure you are also eating healthy, getting plenty of rest and avoiding alcohol and drugs, which can make anxiety worse.
5. Take it day-by-day
Since we can’t predict the future (yet) and shouldn’t hold onto the past, focus on the here and now. Being mindful can help you focus on what is right in front of you—what you can control today. It can also help you recognize moments when you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Need some help being mindful? There are some great apps for adults and kids, such as Calm and Insight Timer, that can help ease anxiety and tension and re-center your mind.
6. Seek help and support
If stress or anxiety is getting in the way of your daily activities, call your healthcare provider or speak with one of our Nurses on Call at 844-259-9494 to get support. To find a licensed behavioral health professional in your area, visit bannerhealth.com.
However, if you are contemplating suicide or self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
“Yes, these are uncertain times for us all, but finding opportunities in difficult times every day—even small silver linings—are going to get us through this time,” Dr. Adelayo says. “Be prepared as best you can, follow the CDC recommendations, but take time to breathe and spend priceless time with the ones you love.”
These may feel like the worst of times and an age of foolishness but hold steady. Through this difficult time, we can refocus on what is most important in life and become stronger and more resilient as a country.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Banner Health website or CDC.
As community activists we are here for you. We have additional resources and are happy to share with you. Please call us at the Kristin Graziano Group (480)229-6569 or send us an email.