With many people having to stay home due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus and the ongoing 24-hour news cycle, anxieties may be high. In order to get through this time, it is important we do not panic and use psychological techniques to keep ourselves calm. Re-frame this time as a time to get to all of those projects you have been too busy to deal with!
In the meantime, social isolation can cause anxiety, fear, boredom and loneliness. One way to help manage this is to anticipate that these issues may be a problem and plan for them. Having our daily routines changed can be difficult. During this time, set up a new routine. Even though you are home, have a plan when you are going to exercise, work, eat, and engage in some downtime. Having a routine gives all of us a purpose.
Here are some other things that you can do:
Break out those board games! Instead of having kids play video games, play Monopoly or Uno! Board games are a great way to interact with others and pass the time. It also teaches kids social skills.
Many of us are so busy we use social media, texting and emails to stay connected. Don’t stop now! Reach out to friends and family who you have not spoken to for a while and reconnect.
Use the phone! Make some actual phone calls to stay connected. Don’t forget to reach out to elderly friends and family. The call will make their day!
Now is the time to work on those home gym routines and stay healthy! Use this time to get into a habit of going for a walk or working out to videos from your favorite streaming service.
This is a great time to start healthy eating! You may actually have to cook!
If anxiety is getting the better of you, our team at Bailey Psychology Group and other therapists/psychologist/doctors are offering phone and virtual therapy, Many insurance companies are allowing this service and some are even waving co-pays.
Here are some other resources recently posted by the American Psychological Association
Tools and Resources
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Advice for the Public World Health Organization, 2020
Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014
The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence Brooks, S.K., et al., The Lancet, 2020
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)
