The COVID-19 outbreak may take a toll on our well-being, including anxiety about the health of ourselves and our loved ones and challenges presented by social distancing and self-quarantining. A number of strategies can be helpful for maintaining well-being and promoting resilience during the pandemic.
Evidence-based self-care and coping strategies include staying connected to others and maintaining the pillars of well-being such as regular sleep patterns, schedules, exercise and healthy eating. Other helpful techniques are limiting excessive exposure to distressing media and practicing stress management techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing. For those with symptoms of significant distress or anxiety, it is helpful to engage professional support as needed.
Common Signs of Distress
- Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear
- Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Anger or short-temper
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
