Tips to Manage Stress Related to COVID-19

We understand that the COVID-19 situation is taking a toll on many in our community and around the world. With that in mind, Mercy Family Counseling's Katie Moon, LMHC, CADC, offers some tips to manage stress during this time:

1. Keep your routine and consistency whenever possible. Get up and go to bed at the same time you “normally” would, even if you don’t have work or school. Take a shower and put on clean clothes (kids, too!), even if you aren’t leaving the house.
2. Focus on what you can control — your own social distancing, hygiene, etc. You also have some control over your attitude and outlook. However, you can’t control what others are doing or what you read in the news.

3. Find joy or comfort in the little things, such as a favorite meal, music and movies.

4. Stay connected to your support system however possible — through FaceTime, phone calls, texts, etc. If you need more support, Employee Assistance Programs and regular counseling visits can now be done through video sessions. Learn more at www.mercycare.org/videovisit.

5. Practice good self-care — especially sleep, exercise and diet. Your physical well-being will have a direct influence on your mental health.

6. Limit exposure to news and social media. Consider deleting Facebook and news apps off your phone for now. Check in once or twice per day, no more.

7. Stay busy and distracted. Make plans for the future. Consider tackling projects that have been put off. If you've ever said, “I wish I had time to ________," fill in the blank and do it now.

8. Remember, we’re all in this together!