The Response Winter 2020-2021 - 25

Take care of your body.
* Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
* Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
* Exercise regularly.
* Get plenty of sleep.
* Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
* Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
* Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your
concerns and how you are feeling.
* Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting
online, through social media, or by phone or mail.
Recognizing and coping with stress in a positive, healthy way can
help you remain calm. And recognizing the stress of others and
lending support can make everyone stronger. The PeaceHealth.org
website offers practical tips on how to manage stress and focus of
wellness during the pandemic: https://www.peacehealth.org/healthyyou/managing-stress-during-covid-19.

Stay Calm and Connected
Throttle your media consumption

Seek out reliable news sources - such as the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your state health
board - for the latest information about COVID-19.
However, we recommend limiting the news to less than a
few times per day. Check first thing in the morning and the
late afternoon. But not before bedtime. Constantly tuning
into the news increases stress and often draws attention to
things that you have little control over.

Get outside

No matter what the season, take an opportunity to get
outside and experience nature - but be sure to follow
any shelter-in-place and social distancing guidelines. Step
away from your home office and take a walk around your
neighborhood or a local trail - if opened. If you have kids,
go on a nature scavenger hunt or play " I spy " in the yard.

Control What You Can

During this time of uncertainty, take the opportunity to
control what you can in your home environment. Get the
family to pitch in for some deep cleaning. Sort through
your family's clothing and set aside any donations for when
donation centers open back up. Do some cleanup outdoors.
In the fall, rake the yard and check the gutters, if you can
do so safely. If it's spring, clean out your flower garden or
prepare your vegetable garden for planting. Accomplishing
tasks such as these can be rewarding.

Get Creative

Using your hands and your creative brain can be a great
way to relieve stress. It helps you focus on the present and
create something new. If you have arts and crafts supplies
on hand, use them to create something special.

Seek Help When Needed

If your stress is causing you to feel more anxious or
depressed, don't be afraid to reach out. Many experts are
available to provide virtual support during these uncertain
times. SOSBerks.com/help provides links to vital resources
for you and your loved ones.

http://www.PeaceHealth.org https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy http://www.SOSBerks.com/help

The Response Winter 2020-2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Response Winter 2020-2021