COVID-19 has swept across the nation. In its wake are major health concerns, financial hardships, and an uncertain future. It’s not surprising that this virus has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for many people.
“Anxiety is not right, and it is not wrong. It is just part of the human experience,” says Kristin Lothman, a mind-body counselor with Mayo Clinic’s Department of Integrative Medicine and Health. “Healthy anxiety calls us into action to be safe, to take care of the people that we love and to arrive at the present moment experience with resilience.”
To help manage the stress, Lothman suggest creating a self-care routine
Pieces of a self-care routine
It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time. Lothman says suggests these activities:
- Journaling
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Mediation
- Prayer
Meditation tips
If you’re new to meditating, here’s how to get started:
- Sit for just two minutes
For the first week, sit for two minutes at a time. Add two minutes to your meditation each week until you’re up to 10 minutes
- Do it first thing in the morning
It’s not always easy to work meditation into a routine. To make sure you squeeze it in, meditate after you wake up.
- Don’t worry about how to meditate
Wondering what you should be doing while you meditate? Don’t get caught up in the action of meditation, just sit and be.
- Check on your feelings
Once you’re comfortable sitting, do a mental check-in with yourself. How do you feel?
- Count breaths
Take nice deep breaths and count them as you go.
- Let your mind wander
Your mind will wander. If it drifts to feelings, let it be. If you start creating a mental grocery list, start counting your breaths again to keep yourself calm.
Be grateful for your time
After your meditation time is up, be grateful for the time and go on with your day. These tips should help manage anxiety amid the COVID outbreak.
