The year 2020 may be coming to an end but the challenges still keep coming.
The US Elections are now over and Biden won and while this may present us with a light at the end of the tunnel, the transition of power may not be that smooth.
In addition, COVID is still raging across the US and Europe is experiencing its second wave and other current events don’t sound very hopeful at all with several civil unrests across the globe and other violent attacks.
It’s easy to feel stressed and anxious amidst everything that is happening around us. Here are some advice to help you keep calm and get through this.
Plan Your Day
Staying at home most of the time may blur the lines between work, study, and other activities that we do. Make a plan of your day and keep up with your routines like getting out of bed, preparing meals, setting time for your work or studies, and doing day-to-day chores.
Take Care Of Your Health
It is important to take care of our health especially during this time of pandemic. Try to do physical activities and exercises at home or around your neighborhood; just do so responsibly and remember to practice safe distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands after. Stick to a healthy diet and take vitamins to strengthen your immune system. Lastly, get enough rest and sleep.
Take A Break From The Screen
Disconnect once in a while. The endless stream of information from news sites, social media or TV can be overwhelming and makes you feel anxious. Reading comments from other people can also anger you especially if their views don’t align with yours. Studies also show that excessive consumption of social media and news can lead to poor long-term mental health.
Try to engage in other “offline” activities like reading a book, learning new things, or getting extra sleep.
Connect With Others
We may be physically apart from each other but we don’t have to be socially and emotionally distant. Reach out to others in your family and community. Connect with them online or virtually. A small friendly talk may mean a lot for some who are needing help.
Accept Help
Everyone is going through all sorts of challenges these days. Some may have lost their jobs, struggling financially, having family difficulties, or health problems. Be kind to yourself. There are people out there who can help you.
You can also check out online resources like BetterHelp counseling for professional advice and help. BetterHelp is accessible to everyone and their wide pool of professional counselors can ensure that you can get help anytime, anywhere.
For other emergencies you can refer to the following:
- Call 911
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
- The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
- Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
