Coronavirus and Your Wellbeing

Due to COVID-19 and the country’s response to it, things feel very stressful and concerning. Most of us have never lived through a time like this. Currently, our access to resources is limited, and we aren’t able to engage in typical activities. This situation can be very disorienting and leave us worried and stressed. The change and uncertainty can exacerbate depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

If you are a member of Elevated Health, I am available to consult with you and offer support and strategies to help you work through any distressing feelings you may be experiencing. Consults are available via phone, video, or text, and our members pay only $20 per 15-minute session. A brief consultation (15-30 minutes) is often enough to help calm fears and develop a plan to manage the situation and your reactions to it. You can reach me directly at 714-316-0731. Text is best to schedule the appointment. We can discuss your preference for phone or video. I am able to use many video options (eg, FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger).

I recently compiled a brief list of helpful tools on our blog. However, I want to reiterate and expand on that list.

For those working from home:

Create a calm work environment, so that you can focus on necessary tasks. Use headphones as a way to quiet other noises. You can listen to music, or even nature sounds as you work.
Limit social media, as the posts there can often be highly distracting and unhelpful as you try to manage your workload in a different space.
Structure your day as best you can to have focused work hours, as well as breaks.
Use breaks to move, drink water, eat healthy snacks, and connect with family within the home. For movement, Down Dog is offering free access to online workout courses until April 1st.
If you are home alone, or know of coworkers who are isolated, reach out and connect via text, phone, or video. Video chats can be especially helpful to connect to others.

For parents with children home from school:

Try to structure specific activities throughout the day, but allow for flexibility. Most of us know it’s harder to stick to a rigid schedule at home.
Check with your school district on their recommendations for your children’s learning.
Access online education at places like Outschool (Variety of topics) or BrainPOP (STEM).
Schedule movement. Time your kids and see how many jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups they can do in a specified period. Have a dance party in your living room where kids dress up and dance for 20-30 minutes. Do timed sessions of running in place. Access online yoga.
Expand your kids’ knowledge by teaching them new skills, ensuring age appropriateness. Teach them how to sew on a button. Have a cooking class where they learn to make scrambled eggs, cut fresh veggies and fruit, or make a batch of cookies. Talk to your kids about creating budgets and balancing checkbooks. Teach them how to do their own laundry.
Schedule group video chats where they can chat with their friends. For older kids, allow them to connect with their peers, even if you’d typically limit that access.
Have game nights where you play board or video games together.
Do daily check-ins to see what is and is not working within the family and make adjustments accordingly.
Remember, kids are often stressed and anxious too, and sometimes don’t have the tools to express themselves well. Ask your kids how they’re doing and offer to answer any questions they may have.

For people who live alone or anyone that seeks more connection:

Connect with family or friends via video chat. While it’s not the same as being together, seeing each other’s faces can increase the sense of connection. Schedule regular chats so that you have something to look forward to.
Join social media groups with similar interests. Post and comment to increase your interaction with others.
Find online activities. Several sites are offering online concerts. Check your favorite band’s website to see if they might be offering online shows. Or, if you’re into theater, you can see Broadway and other shows online. Universal will make some new releases available online.
Learn a new skill. Sites like Udemy and edX offer courses on various topics.
Make sure you move, drink water, eat regularly.

For all of us, this is a time where we are required to slow down, stay in, and connect in different ways than we are used to. This may be a challenge for many of us, yet a focus on learning, growing, and connecting can help us ensure our health and safety while also deepening relationships, learning new skills, or reflecting and connecting with ourselves.

Rest. Read. Make art. Meditate. Pray. Dance. Cry. Laugh.

Remember, if you need assistance getting through all of this, we are here to help.