Protecting Mental Health During a Pandemic

All the fear and uncertainty related to COVID-19 can be just as damaging to our health and mental state as a physical illness. Here are some ideas and tools to help you calm your mind, find a moment of peace, and reflect on what’s good in our lives.

Mindful breathing

Thoughts racing? Allow your breath to follow the movement and focus on the feeling of your ribs expanding and relaxing as you take in air, and release it. Breathe in hope and peace, and let negative thoughts and worry leave you with each breath out.

Connect with others

Just because we are socially distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 doesn’t mean that we can’t connect with our community. There are many ways to reach out: Call your loved ones, try hosting a virtual dinner party by video conference, or connect your Health Storylines Circle of Support to other friends and family to support each other in monitoring symptoms and sharing what you learn about staying healthy during the pandemic.

Some examples of how communities have come together are highlighted in this article: