Right now we are dealing with a worldwide pandemic, but it's important to not overwhelm ourselves.
Here are Psychotherapist Matthew Dempsey's tips on staying calm:
1. It's normal to feel stressed, and we don't want to get to a place where we don't have any stress, but we need to manage that stress
2. Make sure you are talking to your doctors about your anxiety and getting actual information regarding the coronavirus
3. WASH WASH WASH YOUR HANDS!
4. Know what you can do, and do what you can do
5. Dont dive into news and social media too much because there is a lot of misinformation
6. Dont control something that's uncontrollable
7. Pay attention to the narratives we are creating that's spinning our anxiety
8. Take care of yourself first, but be supportive to others who may feel overwhelmed. Dont give answers you dont have, but normalize those feelings and keep boundaries when someone's feelings are affecting you.
9. Stop checking your phone when you wake up. Meditate or do whatever it is that makes you happy. When you meditate it helps regulate the nervous system and calm us down.
Stay safe and healthy!