Coping with Stress

Get the Facts

What we know about COVID-19 is rapidly changing. Misinformation spreads fast. We need trustworthy information from reliable sources like Vermont Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.nk is external) It helps to limit our exposure to media sources or social media that lead to fear or panic.

Be kind to yourself

The COVID-19 outbreak can add to existing daily challenges. It is normal for an outbreak to be stressful. Let’s be kind to ourselves (link is external) when feelings of anxiety or isolation increase. We can treat ourselves as kindly as we treat loved ones. Interrupt negative thoughts by thinking about an accomplishment or something nice we did for someone else.

Identify the source of your anxiety

This may seem ridiculous. Obviously, it’s COVID-19. But what specifically is worrying? Is it the uncertainty, the health risk to ourselves or our loved ones, or our financial burdens? Identifying specific concerns can help us get distance and feel less overwhelmed.

Let your anxiety be a unifying force

So, we’ve recognized things are uncertain, acknowledged our specific worries, now what? Mental health experts recommend connecting with others, asking for what we need and offering help. Use technology to make connections. A simple phone call or an online meet-up (like FaceTime, Skype or Zoom) with family or friends can be supportive and ease loneliness. Or join Front Porch Forum (link is external) to help people in your community or post your own request.

Self-Care is Key

Taking time for ourselves is even harder when faced with an emergency. It may feel like just one more thing to do. But taking a walk, practicing stress reduction techniques (link is external), like yoga or mindfulness, or reading a fun book or article can shift our mood. It can also strengthen our immune system.

Maintain Healthy Routines

COVID-19 and concerns about getting sick change our daily routines. Having our day-to-day practices disrupted or even ended for a while can be a source of anxiety. Starting today, we can create new routines that support our well-being. Begin the day with a walk outside or a workout and build in healthy breaks throughout the day. Then choose fun evening activities like watching a movie, writing in a journal, playing a musical instrument or a game, and of course, talking with friends and family on the phone or an online platform. Adding fun activities and exercise to our new routines can help alleviate isolation and disruption.

Understanding Grief and Loss

Many people are experiencing grief and loss during this pandemic. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one. You might have been unable to be with them when they died. Or were unable to mourn someone’s death in the company of friends and family.

Feelings of grief and loss are common during a public emergency. Even if we haven’t lost a loved one, we are experiencing loss. We’ve lost routines. Some of us have lost jobs, time with friends and family, or missed out on holiday gatherings. Some may have gotten sick with COVID-19 and still feel the effects of the illness.

For those who have not lost anyone, feeling grief or living with a general sense of loss may come as a surprise— especially when those feelings don’t go away. The way each of us mourns or expresses feelings of loss, is unique. So being aware of the broad range of emotions that may come up is helpful.

• Learn more about the process of grief
• If you have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic
• If you are feeling loss due to changes to daily routines and ways of life