Speaking of health
The COVID-19 pandemic can seem overwhelming due to new information, long work hours, and caring for yourself and your family. It’s important to pause for a moment and collect your thoughts, as global pandemics can be trying. Staying calm can help.
It’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed during uncertain times. Emotions in response to uncertainty may include anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. You might also feel helpless, discouraged and, at times, out of control. Physical responses may include headaches, muscle tension, fatigue and insomnia.
Taking care of yourself is important so that you are equipped to help your family through this time.
Here are some tips you can use to take care of yourself:
Physical health:
- Fuel your body by eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
- Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
- Exercise every day.
- Breathe deeply and stretch often.
- Avoid risky or destructive behaviors, such as alcohol or drug abuse, excessive gambling, or failure to follow public health recommendations.
- Spend time outdoors, such as taking a walk in the park, but follow social distancing guidelines.
Mental Health:
- Establish and maintain a routine at home.
- Focus on the things you can control.
- Use technology to maintain social connections with loved ones. Consider a regular check-in schedule to give yourself something to look forward to.
- Focus your thoughts on the present and the things you can be grateful for today.
- Listen to music or read books.
- Consume reliable news sources that report facts and avoid sensationalist media. Limit your exposure to or take a break from the news and social media if you find it makes you anxious.
- Lean on your personal beliefs and faith to support you.
- Look for ways to help your community, such as donating blood, visiting seniors in your neighborhood, or donating supplies or money to local organizations.
- Recognize and appreciate what others do to help you and your community.
Symptoms to watch out for
If any of these become persistent or interfere with daily functioning and are out of the norm for the COVID-19 pandemic, contact your provider for help and advice:
- Difficulty concentrating on daily activities
- Anxiety that turns into a feeling of loss of control
- Strong feelings that interfere with daily activities
- Having emotions that become difficult to manage
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Get strategies to help children cope with COVID-19.
By Mayo Clinic Health System Staff
