Tips to Beat the Blues

By the time you are reading this, you have spent days couped up inside your house while tuned in to news about the COVID-19 pandemic.  As you watch the number of cases increase, it is but natural to feel anxious about the future. This fear, when left unchecked, can take its toll on your overall well-being.

So how do you help yourself lessen stress and anxiety? Here are some tips that you may consider:

1. Focus on the things that you can control. Stress is triggered by uncertainty so it is important to focus on the things that you can do to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.
2. Establish and stick to a routine that will give you a semblance of order and purpose for the day.  For those who are in work from home arrangements, start and treat the day like a regular workday. Set realistic goals and maintain regular work hours.
3. Keep a positive disposition. Focus on uplifting news and do things that spark good thoughts and feelings. 
4. Commune with nature. This does not mean going out and breaking quarantine rules! If you have a backyard, spend a few minutes each morning to feel the sunshine on your face.  Living in a condo? How about take your cup of tea and stand in front of the windows and admire the clouds or sunset to reenergize you.
5. Stay connected with your social support circle.  In this age of digital communication, there are various ways you can keep in touch with friends and family.  Call, video chat or message them!   Share your thoughts, ask how they are doing and update them about how you are coping, too.
6. Quiet down by limiting your screen time and news time.  Although it is important to stay on top of everything, choose credible and reliable sources of information but try not to be so wrapped up with every news item. Detach for a while and breathe from all the frenzy so you can calm yourself down.
7. Develop an attitude of gratefulness.  Count your blessings and be thankful for being able to wake up and end the day well, for family and friends.  Be grateful for people out there who are fearlessly fighting COVID-19 head on – the medical front liners, delivery workers, those in groceries and markets, and everyone who is pitching in to help us in this crisis.  It wouldn’t hurt too if we can think of ways to extend help to others when we can.
8. Reach out and seek professional help. Remember, if you are finding it difficult to cope with all of that has been happening around you, do not hesitate to seek mental health support from counseling or mental health services available in your area.