We’re all faced with learning how to manage our thoughts and emotions during this public health emergency. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, so try to keep the following tips in mind for coping with stress or difficult emotions. If you’re in crisis, call us: 518-481-8160.
- Reach out if you feel overwhelmed, anxious or unusually sad.
- Stay in touch with your positive social supports.
- Go outside for a walk, run or just to breathe in nature and fresh air.
- Get enough sleep and have a good sleep routine.
- Avoid excess caffeine, which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation.
- Go outside for a walk, run or just to breathe in nature and fresh air.
- Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Learn mindfulness or relaxation exercises (abdominal breathing and muscle relaxation techniques).
- Go outside for a walk, run or just to breathe in nature and fresh air.
- Learn practical coping skills. For example, break a large task into smaller, more attainable tasks.
- Decrease negative self-talk: challenge negative thoughts – with alternative, neutral, or positive thoughts. “My life will never get better” can be transformed into “I may feel hopeless now, but my life will probably get better if I work at it and get some help.”
- Go outside for a walk, run or just to breathe in nature and fresh air.
- Feel good about doing a competent or “good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others.
- Go outside for a walk, run or just to breathe in nature and fresh air.
- Enjoy healthy humor.
- Take a break from stressful situations. Activities like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, or spending time with a pet can reduce stress.
- Build a network of friends who help you cope in a positive way.
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