14 Tips for Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic
1. Focus on what IS within your control.
2. Establish a routine, even including small everyday activities. Having a routine that you adhere to will provide you with a sense of control.
3. Separate your workspace from your living space. Ensure that within your home, you have clear places that you dedicate certain activities to. If this is not possible, try to set clear boundaries with yourself with your timing: having a clear start and end time to your work day. At the end of your work day, put away your files and close out your work email for the evening.
4. Distract and stay busy, engaging your mind. There are many free crosswords, puzzles, coloring books, and more available online. Maybe take a virtual cooking or knitting class, or join a virtual book club. Now is a great time to invest yourself in a new activity.
Free Crossword Puzzles:
Daily crossword puzzles free from The Washington Post
Free Coloring Pages:
Free, Printable Coloring Pages for Adults
#Coloring4Calm:
The Art Therapy Practice has their own hand-drawn and original coloring pages that are downloadable!
Coloring for the Mind, Body, and Soul
5. Limit your news intake. If you must read the news, try to limit it to a certain time of day that you check, and give yourself a restricted amount of time to read, listen, or watch. While it may feel like we are inundated with reports and news about the pandemic, we do have control over our viewing. And think to yourself when consuming the news: “Am I learning something new or helpful, or is this something anxiety-provoking that confirms what I already knew?” Additionally, read ONLY reliable and trustworthy sources that you know are fact-driven.
6. If you are feeling nervous about contracting the virus, focus on which guidelines are within your control: wash your hands frequently, social distance, wear a mask or covering when out, read reputable scientific sources.
7. Stay connected with loved ones: try to make this a routine as well, rather than single calls. Despite not being able to see many of our loved ones in person, video chats are the replacement that we have right now, which you can use to your advantage to stay connected.
8. Get creative with how you stay connected! Zoom calls and FaceTime don’t have to be the only methods of staying connected with others. Some other ideas:
Send handwritten letters
Send artwork
Begin a “daily challenge” that you complete with a loved one, i.e. daily short writing prompts that you e-mail each other.
9. Get outdoors at least once per day, if social distancing is possible near you. If this is not possible for you, try to keep your windows and shades open and your shades during the day, so that you can experience some sunlight.
10. Move your body! A number of fitness studios have made their classes accessible online, with many offering them at a discount or for free. If a class doesn’t pique your interest, try to make some time to move your body in a way you enjoy on your own - yoga, dancing, walking, stretching. Not only is maintaining physical activity good for our physical health, it is a powerful stress release, and supports mental health.
NYC Based Workout Video List
25+ Free Live-Stream Workout Classes to Take At Home During Coronavirus Outbreak
OrangeTheory Free Video Library
all workout videos landing page
Other Options:
Youtube often has a variety of workouts based on your search.
Some fitness accounts provide free Instagram Live sessions.
11. Consume art digitally! Many artists, museums, and arts institutions have made programming available online, with some for free. Some even offer downloadable coloring books for your use.
Museum Virtual Resources:
The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Home
MoMA The Museum of Modern Art, New York, United States
Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York City, United States — Google Arts & Culture
Coloring Books:
Over 100 Museums, Libraries, and Galleries Are Offering Free, Printable Coloring Sheets
12. Focus on trying to remain calm - meditation apps, free yoga videos, etc.
Meditation Apps:
Headspace
Calm
10% Happier
Insight Timer
Meditation Recordings:
Search for these on YouTube - the options for videos are infinite and vary in length and type.
Yoga:
Yoga to the People (donation-based livestream classes & free recorded videos and podcasts)
https://yogatothepeople.com/online-classes/
Yoga With Adriene Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA
CorePower Yoga Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/CorePowerYoga
13. Psychoeducation: read about what you are experiencing emotionally! Unlike googling physical symptoms of the virus, which can send you down an anxious spiral, reading about what you are enduring psychologically may help you to feel less alone, and more in control, so that you can take the next steps to protect your mental health and seek the treatment you may need.
14. Finally, be kind to yourself if you ever don’t feel like you’re “doing life” properly. We’re all figuring this out together and don’t always have the answers. After all, we’re living in a pandemic.