COVID-19 Resources:
Self-Care and Coping with Stress
The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the resulting changes to society may be stressful for people. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. There are some things you can do to care for yourself during this time. Know that these steps do not take the place of seeking help from a mental health professional. If you feel you might benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional, check with your insurance provider, EAP, or look into options for online therapy from sites like these.
If you are looking for therapy specifically related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, please contact the FJC at 574-234-6900. The FJC also offers a confidential online support group and chat option. More information can be found here.
Self-Care Practices
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Go for a walk or do an indoor exercise or stretching video. If possible, try to spend at least 30 minutes a day outside.
Although your normal schedule may be completely changed, do your best to keep a consistent sleep schedule.
Enjoy hobbies (or start a new one) – knit, crafts, read, journal, make puzzles, play board games, adult coloring pages, watch TV and movies (in moderation)
Call a friend, family, love one
Play with pets
Attend to household tasks that have been on hold for a while (cleaning out closets or the basement)
Take a virtual museum tour; some museums such as the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim are offering online tours of their facilities
Learn a new language with free software such as Duolingo
Find new recipes to cook or bake
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Suggestion for Adults Who may be Anxious About COVID-19
Provided by Jenifer Hill (LCSW)
(Taken from an online article by Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD., LCSW with added suggestions.)
Limit your news and updates to ONE verified, trusted source – CDC, WHO, Indiana.gov, etc.
Limit how often and how long you spend looking at the trusted source. Focus on the FACTS rather than emotions you and others may be feeling about them.
Avoid searching online, media sourcing or having conversations throughout the day around the virus. This will increase anxiety and can lead to panic.
Establish a basic safety plan based on recommendations of trusted health organizations—do not add to it.
Disinfect surfaces once a day. (Read directions on the label of the cleaning wipes, sprays and solutions.)
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after being outside or in public, before eating and after you’ve coughed/sneezed/blown your nose. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Engage in quarantine if recommended by a credible source due to your level of exposure.
Stick to healthy habits – exercise, good nutrition and quality sleep.
Take breaks and allow yourself to do things you enjoy.
Maintain your daily routines as much as possible.
Avoid the temptation to learn “everything” about COVID-19.
Do not ignore the guidelines from trusted health sources.
Do not excessively wash your hands, as this may lead to injuring your skin and making it less protective against infection. Keep it to 20 seconds.
Don’t let “social distancing” rob you of your support networks—come up with a strategy to stay connected to others even if you can’t see them in person – phone calls and videoconferencing (Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout) allow for more personal connection that texting and emailing don’t, which are also options.
Go outside for walks. Talk with people from across the street.
Plan activities in your home such as reading, movies, games, catching up on household tasks such as cleaning out closets, rearranging furniture, cleaning out the basement, going through Christmas decorations, organizing, listening and dancing to favorite music, exercising, trying new recipes, etc.