Seven ways to ease COVID-related stress

Grounding is a useful way to reduce anxiety and stay in the here and now. To do it:

• Find a comfortable place to sit or stand
• Bring awareness to your body by stretching your neck from side to side, relaxing the shoulders, or stomping your feet
• Take a few minutes to notice the sights, sounds and scents around you
• As you do so, remind yourself that “The flashback or emotion I felt comes from the past. In this moment, I’m safe.”

When you feel yourself sinking, try writing positive statements such as:

• I’m great at my job, and my training and skills are empowering
• I feel energized and ready for whatever awaits me today
• I accept myself as I am
• I’m safe in this moment

Box breathing is the technique of taking slow, deep breaths and is a good way to calm yourself and heighten your concentration. Do it by:

• Exhaling slowly through the mouth, focusing on getting all the oxygen out of your lungs
• Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for four slow counts
• Hold your breath for four more slow counts
• Exhale again for four counts until your lungs are empty

Sometimes emotions can become so overwhelming that they interfere with being able to do your job.

• When that happens, try finding a private place where you can cry or do whatever else you need to vent your feelings until you feel able to return to work

If possible, get outside for a few minutes every day

• When outside take deep breaths, stretch your arms and legs, and take in the gifts of nature
• Try finding someone to go with you so you can both let off steam