How To Care For Your Mental Health During A Pandemic Dr. Amen
By zevi770 · March 24, 2020
| STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR LOVED ONES |
| Since most people are hunkering down at home, this is easier than ever. |
| KILL THE “ANTS” (AUTOMATIC NEGATIVE THOUGHTS) |
| Automatic negative thoughts can infest your mind during a pandemic, but you can learn to control them. Avoid making drastic assumptions and question your thoughts. You don’t need to believe everything you think! |
| STICK TO REPUTABLE SOURCES FOR INFORMATION |
| Credible sources for reliable information include the CDC, WHO, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins. |
| BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AND 24-HOUR NEWS |
| Avoid going down the rabbit hole on your Facebook or Twitter feed and don’t stay glued to the TV. Limit your exposure and set specific times to check for updates. |
| TALK TO KIDS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THEIR LEVEL |
| Be calm and reassuring when talking to kids because they often pick up on what you do and how you act more than the words you say. |
| WHEN QUARANTINED OR SELF-ISOLATING, STAY ACTIVE |
| Use your time wisely with brain healthy activities. Read a book, learn something new, do crafts, do a video call with loved ones to stay connected, and watch a comedy (research shows that laughter can be a great immunity booster). |
| GET OUTSIDE (IF YOU AREN’T SICK OR QUARANTINE) |
| Exercising in nature—but not in or around groups of people—can brighten your mood. |
| TAKE DEEP BREATHS |
| Take a few minutes of every hour to practice deep breathing. Simply inhale deeply for a count of 6, hold for 3, then exhale slowly to the count of 3. Repeat the process 5 to 6 times. |
| FUEL YOUR MIND AND BODY WITH THE NUTRIENTS IT NEEDS |
| Adequate intake of vitamins, micronutrients and minerals will help keep your immune system strong. |