COVID-19 Resources

Instead of scrolling through social media for your information, pick one or two reliable news sources to check for updates, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, or the BBC, and only check them once a day. Mute topics related to COVID-19 on Twitter, and if the virus keeps popping up in other feeds, try to keep your social media use limited. 

 

Keeping a consistent meditation practice helps us to see scary thoughts for what they are: just thoughts. In the Tools section of Sanvello, you’ll find we have many meditations for different types of stress. A meditation practice can help us manage our thoughts before they become anxiety spirals.

 

There’s a difference between being scared and prepared. Handle what’s in your control and learn to recognize what’s not. Notice if you’re catastrophizing, fortune telling, or other thinking traps, and keep tabs on them in the Thoughts section of the app. 

 

It doesn’t hurt to have good habits in place. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and for when soap and water aren’t available, carry hand sanitizer. There’s no need to buy gallons of Purell or lock yourself in your room. Just being responsible regarding touch and cleanliness is the most considerate thing you can do. 

 

Whether it’s school, work, travel, or something else, it’s good to think through your plan. Is your university taking precautions? Does your job have a work-from-home plan? If you’re traveling, what steps is your airline taking to prioritize health? Raising these concerns and researching them can help you know what to expect, and knowing what to expect can help set us at ease.

 

It’s also a time to be compassionate – to yourself and others. As we grapple with closings, cancellations, and social distancing, some things may look and feel a little different for people. Kids and pets will appear on video conferences. Dinner tonight may just be what’s in the cupboard. Someone you were hoping to see may need to care for a family member. Being flexible and understanding will help ease the anxiety of others. 

 

If you’re feeling stressed, the best thing you can do is treat your body right. Drink water, get enough rest, spend time in nature, eat healthy, and engage in activities that help reduce stress like walking or talking with a friend.

There are lots of things outside of our control. Let's remember to breathe and focus on what really matters so we can respond constructively.

STAY WISE
Making wise choices helps everyone. Let's choose positive actions that support our wellbeing and help others to do the same.

We're all in this together, even when we're forced apart. Let's stay connected and reach out to help others who may be in need.

Stress and Coping (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and  the community you live in.

People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include

• Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
• Children and teens
• People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
• People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs