Week 1
Everyone reacts differently during stressful situations, so here are common things you can support yourself doing:
- Take several breaks from the news wherever they come from (TV or social media).
- Take care of your body and mind while working from home :
-Maintain a balanced eating style of 3 meals and 2 snacks a day and try to incorporate as many food groups as possible (Fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains , proteins)
-Get away from your laptop, stretch and practice taking deep breaths every hour.
-Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, virtual training is easily accessible.
-Regulate your sleeping time and make sure to get the 7-8 hours every day
-Take your lunch and coffee/tea breaks routinely and disconnect from work
- Make time for yourself every day and choose the activities that you truly enjoy. It can be reading, singing, dancing, sitting in the bathtub, putting on a soothing face mask, watching football or your favorite series, etc. you name it!
- Stay connected with family, friends and even colleagues. Digital is life now, so set Zoom, Teams or any other app and plan a lunch or coffee with your loved ones. Talking to the people you trust about your concerns and feelings does help.
Week 2
As a parent
Your kids react according to what they see from their parents. When you as a parent deal with the situation calmly and confidently, you would be providing the best support for your kids.
Tips to help you support your kids
- Reassure your kids that they are safe and always keep the conversation open to answer their questions about the situation
- Let them know that is it is normal and ok to feel upset. Set an example by sharing with them what you do to calm yourself so they learn how to cope from you.
- Limit your family’s exposure to the news as they may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about anything they don’t understand.
- Maintain a daily routine for them. Even when schools are closed, make a schedule to include both learning and fun activities together for them to enjoy.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_2
