Coping with crisis
published in the Republican 3/2020
Today we are dealing with a health crisis across the country that is impacting our daily living. The coronavirus is forcing schools to be closed, restaurants and bars are closing with only offering takeout and restrictions have been placed on crowd sizes. Many stores and malls are closing with only grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations remaining open.
Many events from sports to entertainment are being cancelled. We are being told to avoid crowds and practice social distancing. Unfortunately, this is also causing panic from overbuying to over worrying.
I have even noticed my own anxiety level rising and I am finding ways to cope with what is happening in our nation. The first step is not to become obsessed with reading everything from the Internet to the news. It is best to get information from trustworthy sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. It is also a good idea to take a break from social media posts regarding the virus. I find ways to practice safety from washing my hands to practicing social distancing and talking to the doctor.
There are many fun activities that can reduce stress. A few of my favorites are meditation, yoga, going for a walk, reading a book or working on a creative project. More importantly, you should keep a positive attitude by remembering the mantra, “I am safe, I am healthy and I am happy.”