~Practice Self Care: It could be reading, watching a movie, listening to music, yoga meditation, blogging. follow hygiene advice such as washing your hands for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer. The COVID 19 pandemic can be overwhelming, so try to focus on what you can control and get good sleep.

~Exercise Regularly: Get outside if you can and go for a walk, run, or bike, while wearing a mask or practicing physical distancing. You can also take phone meetings outside or pace walk outside your home or office, if possible. If you can’t exercise or your movement is restricted, keep in regular contact with close friends and family through Skype, Zoom or Facebook.

~Talk to Someone: During a time of crisis it is normal to feel anxious. If those feelings are affecting your everyday life, please reach out to a friend, family member and most importantly, talk to a counselor. Remember, a lot of people love and care about you. Do your mind a favor and reach out and talk to someone.

~Encourage Yourself: Try to use the time to focus on all the positive things in your life. Journal and write down the good moments that you have spent with family friends, and co-workers pre- Covid 19. This pandemic has put a damper on everyone’s mood, so reminisce on happy times and have a good laugh. IN Ontario, Canada “social circles” have been recommended. Be encouraged that you are not alone with this discomfort as we are in this together, and it will pass.

~Monitor Your Mood: Please monitor your mood, anxiety, develop coping strategies, and avoid unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol, tobacco, online gambling and recreational drugs. If you feel unsafe call a crisis help line, reach out to a family, friend, physician, qualified health professional, a professional counsellor, or go to the nearest hospital.

~Limit News Media Consumption: Limit news media consumption. Avoid repeated checking of the news and choose coverage that is trust worthy. Avoid distressful images shown on the news and focus on the positivity in your life and reading about positive events around the world.