Health and Wellness April 4, 2020

Nine tips for self-care during difficult times

Karen Lommel, DO

Behavioral Health

In this age of information overload, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by a variety of emotions. It can be a confusing time, especially in the midst of having to socially distance ourselves from one another.

To help you manage stress and anxiety, Karen Lommel, DO, Behavioral Health Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Prisma Health–Upstate, offered advice on ways you can take care of yourself.

1. Limit the amount of time you spend watching the news or viewing social media to no more than 30 minutes per day.
2. Only refer to trusted sources for information.
3. Take care of yourself. Exercise, take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
4. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
5. Engage in other activities you enjoy. Catch up on your favorite TV series on Netflix or Hulu, read, do crosswords, play board games … all those things we did before iPhones and tablets.
6. Connect with others. Talk with people, but be cautious if the conversation becomes a cycle of fear and negativity. Redirect the conversation to facts. 
7. Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
8. Call a family member or friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with.
9. Ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed, especially if you are feeling hopeless or having thoughts of wanting to end your life. The number for the National Suicide Talkline is 1-800-273-8255.