There's been a lot of focus on the physical aspects of staying healthy surrounding the recent Coronavirus or COVID-19 announcements. Keep in mind your mental and emotional health are also critical elements to your overall health and body's immune system.
Here are some healthy ways to reduce psychological stress you may experience during this time:
- Keep a normal routine for you and your family
- Practice deep breathing
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Get enough sleep
- Practice relaxation exercises and surround yourself with positive messages
- Limit your intake of coffee (stimulants) and alcohol (depressants) which can enhance bouts of anxiety, fear and depression
- Engage in simple physical activity like walking, yoga, swimming, stretching, dancing
- Spend time in nature
- Journal or write about worrisome or anxious thoughts
- Limit exposure to the media (stress levels increase and lead to hyperactivity after consuming too much TV or social media)
- Keep your home, car, office and other physical environments clean, organized, and clutter-free
- Surround yourself with information from reliable sources and take action in the areas of your life where you can maintain some level of personal control
- Engage in spiritual practices