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Staying Centered with Covid-19

We all are feeling pretty overwhelmed with information regarding Covid-19, some credible and some so not credible, from a multimedia overload. The good news is that the coronavirus, thus far, seems to be at lowest risk in infants and young children. Seniors over the age of 60, especially those with chronic medical conditions, are most at risk. As a public health professional, I want to arm you with things you can control along with accurate information.

Tips to Stay Well

1. Check the amount of worry

   Excessive worry and prolonged, unresolved stress weaken your natural immune system, just the opposite of what you want to do when protecting your body against a communicable disease, and any illness for that matter. While the coronavirus is a potentially serious threat, you do have control over how you preload your body to protect against this virus.

2. Challenge yourself to stay in the present

   Perhaps your worry is compounding; you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.

3. Separate what is in your control from what is not

   There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news (Do you really need to know what is happening on a cruise ship you aren’t on?).

4. Filter what comes in to your world.

   Reduce the media coming in to your day to day. Try as much as possible to stick to your schedule and not get sucked in to the black hole of media uproar. This has extreme effects on you whether or not you believe the messages or not. TURN IT OFF.

5. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support

   Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.

Surviving Through the Coronavirus Scare

In a nutshell, the best ways to thrive and survive through the coronavirus scare is: preload your body; don’t worry, be happy; eat more fruits, vegetables and seafood; go outside and play; wash your hands; and don’t touch your face; and EXERCISE daily.

One of the benefits of this virus is the knowing that we are in this together, and help is always available.

Stay centered, calm and media restrained my friends,

Miriam MPH, RD, CPT,
Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor
HDH Wellness Dietitian

Resources

1. https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/coronavirus
2. CDC website
3. https://potentiatherapy.com/2020/03/navigating-your-well-being-during-the-coronoavirus/

Curated COVID-19 Resources

• Common Coronavirus questions answered. Information is power.
• The best ways to clean and disinfect your phone during the Coronavirus outbreak.
• Taking care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty.
• The World Health Organization on mental health considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak (pdf).
• For those who can't find toilet paper and also want to support a good cause + the environment. :-)
• Social distancing and how to discern social engagements like dating, small group gatherings, going to the gym, and going out to eat.