[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Don’t Forget About Your Mental Well-being
In these last couple of months, we’ve all had to adjust our way of life one way or another. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are facing a great deal of uncertainty our mental well-being is at risk.
These days it seems there are just too many things weighing on our minds. We now worry about the health and safety of our loved ones more. Most of us spend countless sleepless nights thinking about our family’s financial stability and, of course, our job security.
To this, we must add the pressure to maintain social distance, feelings of isolation, and boredom. All these things can leave us feeling scared, confused, angry, irritable, stressed, and anxious.
While all these emotions are valid and expected in a time of crisis, they can take a toll on our mental well-being, and ultimately affect us physically as well.
For this reason, we need to recognize the signs of mental distress and find effective ways to deal with them.
Here we share some simple tips to help you cope with stress and anxiety. These tips can be helpful whenever we are feeling overwhelmed, not only during these trying times.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”24391″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]
1. Create a Daily Schedule
During this stay in place ordinance, days can easily become a blur, and soon you will have trouble even knowing which day it is.
Planning your day, which might include a to-do list will give you a sense of purpose and help you feel in control.
However, remember to set achievable goals; otherwise, your to-do list will become another source of stress.
While you plan your day, make sure to set apart some time for a fun activity. It could be doing an online yoga class, reading a book, doing an arts and crafts project alone, or with your kids. It doesn’t need to be a fancy activity; it just needs to be fun for you!
2. Reach Out and Connect
Humans need social interaction, whether it’s a little or a lot; we all need to feel connected to someone or our community.
Social distancing is necessary to try and stop the spread of COVID-19. Still, thankfully we live in an era where technology allows us to connect with those we love easily.
Many apps allow us to video chat with friends, and even a simple phone call can put us at ease knowing our friends and family are hanging in there and are out of harm’s way.
Having someone reach out to see how you are doing can help ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation.
So please reach out and connect, you could make someone’s day brighter.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”24393″ size=”full”][us_separator size=”small”][us_cta title=”How Can I Get Tested for the Coronavirus?” btn_label=”GET INFO NOW” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FHow-Can-I-Get-Tested-Document-Clinic-Staff-6-5-South.pdf”][/us_cta][vc_column_text]
3. Look for Credible Sources to Stay Informed
The amount of information available to us regarding COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Most of the news we see is negative and scary, and to make matters worse, a lot of it is fake.
There is no shortage of conspiracy theories and fake science on the internet, and it’s not always easy telling the real stories from the fake.
All these stories only add to the stress we are already feeling. To avoid being bombarded with fake information, only follow sites managed by local and federal health authorities such as the and trusted news sites.
As an example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides accurate information and helpful guidance to deal with the stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Stay Active and Healthy
Staying home doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch all day. There are plenty of physical activities you can enjoy while still maintaining the necessary social distance.
You can go for a walk around your neighborhood, join an online workout class, or even spend some time in your prettying up your yard.
You should also avoid eating junk food or drinking alcohol in excess.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”24392″ size=”full”][us_separator size=”small”][us_cta title=”Need Help? Rural County Contacts” btn_label=”GET INFO NOW” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FRural-County-Contacts-EM-LHA-and-Judge.pdf”][/us_cta][vc_column_text]
5. Don’t Forget About Your Spiritual Needs
Many of us miss going to church on Sunday, but that shouldn’t stop us from addressing our spiritual needs.
Our religious beliefs provide great solace in times of distress, and if you find comfort in prayer, dedicate a few minutes a day to this practice.
You can organize an online bible reading group, or schedule a meeting with a spiritual counselor, pastor, or priest who can provide some guidance and help you through these tough times.
Remember, God is everywhere.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”24394″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Altus Emergency Centers remain open to support you and your loved ones in these trying times. We continue to work closely with community leaders and health officials to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people we serve.[/vc_column_text][us_cta title=”Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.” btn_label=”FIND AN ER” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Ffind-an-emergency-room-near-me-find-an-er%2F”][/us_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]