The coronavirus feels surreal, as if we’re reading about ourselves in a history book.   

Unfortunately, it is all too real, creating fear and stress that, ironically, taxes our immune systems and ability to cope.

Fortunately, there are actions we can take to help alleviate the stress and increase our calm.    

Gratitude

There is always something to be grateful for, even during tough times.  

If you’re reading this, then you are likely in the category of people who have:

• the greatest chance to not catch the virus, and if you do, to make a complete recovery.

• a comfortable home, enough food, clean water, and access to medical care.

• enough money saved or will continue to get paid even if your employer temporarily shuts down.  

Gratitude keeps us focused on the good, right now, in this moment.

Community

We need each other.  

Check on friends and neighbors, particularly ones who are challenged in any way. Be sure they have all they need as well as your contact information. Just knowing someone cares is reassuring.

While you’re helping them you’ll feel happier, too. Doing good makes us feel good.

Create

Being creative will help you express your feelings, think outside the box and calm you down. Dance, sing, play music, color, paint, collage, bead, draw, sew, knit, bake, crochet…

The bonus is that creativity is meditative and keeps you present.

Fun

Be silly. Play games. Read books. Ride your bike. Dance. Watch movies. Take a walk.

Engaging in lighthearted activities is a good antidote to our serious time.

We have no choice but to get through this pandemic. However, we do have a choice as to HOW we endure it.

Try these tips. There is only an upside.

As always, I’m here to help.