Anxiety, excessive worrying, feeling helpless, concentration challenges and difficulty sleeping are all unwelcome side effects during times of uncertainty. Developing good coping techniques can help you feel calm and in control. Here are some tips to consider when worry arises.
Avoid ineffective coping techniques:
• Engaging in destructive thinking: “Sound the alarm!”
• Overexposing yourself to the media
• Assuming anyone that coughs or sneezes “has it”
• Ignoring your feelings
• Participating in unhealthy eating or drinking habits
Focus on effective coping techniques:
• Practice constructive thinking: “One’s thoughts produce one’s emotions”
• Get the facts without overreacting
• Keep things in perspective
• Find ways to stay connected virtually
• Stay physically healthy
• Maintain connections with the people in your life
• Self-monitor: Take your “psychological pulse”
• Know about available resources if needed
If you are struggling with worry, reach out to your healthcare practitioner for guidance and support.
Stay informed! Follow the guidelines and information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
For information about COVID-19 in your state, search your state’s health department, which works with the CDC to monitor and implement all recommendations: www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html
