Managing Stress
Remember knowledge is power
Understanding factors that affect how this virus impacts the body and its immune system, is vital to understanding how to protect yourself and your family.
Don’t accept everything you read or hear. Look beyond Facebook and the local news. Arm yourself with information from the Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC). They provide daily updates and information on COVID -19s spread, severity and areas of closure.
Get your emotional support system in place. Maintain
familiar routines in daily life as much as possible; take care of your basic needs and employ helpful coping strategies: Rest during your shifts, eat healthy food and engage in physical activity.
One healthy coping skill is called Grounding:
Grounding basically means to bring your focus to what is happening to you physically, either in your body or in your surroundings, instead of being trapped by the thoughts in your mind that are causing you to feel anxious.
First, notice 5 things that you can see. Look around you and become aware of your environment. Try to pick out something that you don’t usually notice.
Second, notice 4 things you can feel. Bring attention to the things that you’re currently feeling, such as the texture of your clothing or the smooth surface of the table you’re resting your hands on.
Third, notice 3 things that you can hear. Listen for and notice things in the background that you don’t normally notice. It could be the birds chirping outside or an appliance humming in the next room.
Fourth, notice 2 things you can smell. Bring attention to scents that you usually filter out, either pleasant or unpleasant. Catch a whiff of the pine trees outside or food cooking in the kitchen.
Finally, notice 1 thing you can taste. Take a sip of a drink, chew gum, or notice the current taste in your mouth.
