Stay resilient during the pandemic
Human beings respond to stress in the same way we respond to physical danger: fight, flight or freeze. And facing the impact of a global pandemic at home and in your community can be extremely stressful, especially for frontline workers. All of us are dealing with a range of stress reactions and feelings: Fear, anxiety, loneliness, insomnia, irritability, anger and depression are all normal.
Resilience is the ability to face and recover from adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and prolonged stress. The more resilient you are, the more able you are to bring yourself back to your steady, safe state. Try these strategies to help yourself stay mentally and physically resilient during this difficult time.
Sleep
Develop a good routine to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Exercise
Move your body. Dance, run, jump, walk.
Connect
Be with people who care about you.
Reframe
See silver linings, a new angle, a glass half full.
Let go
Accept the things you cannot change.
Take action
And change the things you can.
Self-compassion
Be kind to yourself, appreciate yourself.
Give back
Doing something for others replenishes you.
Be present
Practice mindfulness with four slow, deep breaths.
Ask for help
Reach out to a counselor, doctor or spiritual leader.
(Adapted from Alvarez Porter Group)
