As COVID-19 continues to heighten worries over health, childcare, and staying safe at work, here are five practical coping strategies to consider:
1. Manage your fear. Fear can fuel unhealthy stress and ultimately depress our immune systems. Face fear head on with facts from reputable sources, like the Centers for Disease Control, and by being smart about hand washing, disinfecting, and social distancing.
2. Use social media and TV discretely. Social media platforms can be a source of misinformation. Limit your exposure and be aware of what you share. Also limit your children’s exposure to television news; the facts may be hard to process. You’ll serve their interests by staying calm and providing facts to help them understand the situation.
3. Get some physical exercise. Exercising will help your head as much as your health. It’s uniquely exhilarating while relaxing, provides stimulation and calm, counters depression, and dissipates stress.
4. Help each other. Many are feeling isolated or alone, even without social distancing. Earn psychic income by reaching out and helping in a way that keeps everyone safe and cared for. This could be through providing medicine or supplies, delivering a home-made meal, or sharing some of your extra bulk necessities.
5. Avoid nutritional habits that weaken immunity. One habit to consider curbing is eating or drinking more than 100 grams (8 tbsp.) of sugar a day. This much sugar intake reduces your white blood cells’ ability to kill germs by 40%! Also limit your alcohol intake; three or more alcoholic drinks daily can suppress your immunity.
If you need professional help, start with your personal physician or a certified counselor. If circumstances are making your feel overwhelmed and you feel physically unable to cope, consider support services like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Crisis Text Line by texting “start” to 741-741.
By Wendy King
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wendy King is the Director of Health and Performance for Hub International and a leader in the field of healthcare communications and corporate wellness strategy. She manages HUB’s team of health and performance experts, who provide clients the strategic insight, multi-year plans, and provider resources required to create healthy, high-performing organizations.