Keeping Your Cool During the COVID-19 Crisis
Parents often spend time thinking about the best ways to care for their children, but caring for yourself is just as important. Kids base their emotions in response to the adults around them, so the calmer you are, the calmer they will be.
Here are a few ways you can keep your cool in these uncertain times:
Emotionally:
- Acknowledge your anxieties and/or frustrations
- Journal about your feelings or create art to express yourself
- Talk to other trusted adults
Mentally:
- Keep your brain engaged by working on puzzles, crosswords, or other logic games
- Get creative! Enjoy arts and crafts with your children, find a new creative hobby, redesign your home
- Find a good book and read for fun
Physically:
- Take a deep breath
- Try to keep your meals as healthy as possible, but don’t beat yourself up for comfort eating
- Get adequate sleep
- Get your body moving by taking a walk or trying online fitness videos
Socially:
- If you’re struggling, ask for help
- Nurture connections between friends and family on the phone or video conferencing
- Follow helpful accounts on social media (@DrBeckyAtHome)
Spiritually:
- Continue attending church via live stream or listen to saved messages if necessary
- Find breath prayers to pray (e.g. “Lord, help me.” or “God, you’re in control.”)
- Memorize and write down scriptures that you can recite to stay grounded (Job 19:25-27, Job 42:1, Psalm 46, Psalm 48:14, Psalm 57:11, Psalm 58:16, Micah 7:7, John 3:14-15)
Article written by Sarah Earles, MS, LAC
Child & Family Therapist, Christian Family Care
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