Adding to the already existing chaos in the world, COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus has complicated the lives of many individuals worldwide in a short period of time. From your neighborhood grocery stores to your favorite hair salon, we all have been impacted by this pandemic. Since we are all affected, it is important to keep in mind how we also need to stick together during this time of need. To start, we must first take the appropriate measures to protect ourselves and others. We can do this by:

1. Washing our hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (just try not to touch your face).
3. When sneezing or coughing, please do so into your elbow/arm.
4. Self-quarantine, and if you need to go out maintain at least 6 feet from other people.

With information overload bombarding us with inconsistent details, the creation of mass hysteria and distress within our communities is imminent. As societal anxiety builds around us, it is important to take care of ourselves. During the quarantine take some time to:

1. Learn more about yourself!
2. Discover your personal self-care needs/routines.
3. Discover/rediscover hobbies you have been wanting to pick up.
4. Practice meditation or mindfulness.
5. Staying in the present moment and being mindful is important during these times.
6. Find your individuality and self-interests
7. As our society pauses during this crisis, reflect on what we value and also what or who you may have been taking for granted.
8. Establish a daily routine
9. Schedule a routine for your children to maintain the structure school provided them with.
10. Write out a self-schedule to increase productivity and fulfillment throughout the day.
11. And finally, take a break from the news and do something you enjoy. Go for a walk outside (while keeping appropriate social distance), watch a movie, listen to your favorite music, play a board game, or read a book you have been meaning to immerse yourself in.

During this time, it is important to check up on your elderly family members and see how they are doing. Show them you are thinking about them and their well-being because they are the most vulnerable segment of the population during the pandemic. Also, contact others who you suspect may be struggling through these times. A crisis like the one we are now in the midst of brings on emotional and economic insecurities for many family members, friends, and work colleagues. Most importantly, remember to PRIORITIZE YOURSELF. It is vitally important to take care of your medical health, but also your mental health. Make sure to emphasize it during these times. If you feel impacted by COVID-19, do not hesitate to search for an online therapy services provider. Below, I have included a link to my website, as well as, other resources I felt would be helpful during this present time. As we fight this pandemic together remember to… Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay socially distant. Have a Wonderful and Mindful Day.

Resources:

My Website for Direct Contact/Questions/Scheduling https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/allante-burnell-northville-mi/445651

Company Website https://www.crescentrootspsychology.com/

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus http://cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Coronavirus Resource Center: As Coronavirus spreads, many questions and some answers (Harvard Health Publishing) https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center

How To Talk To Children About The Coronavirus (Harvard Health Publishing) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111

You can view the original post here: https://www.crescentrootspsychology.com/post/coping-with-the-coronavirus.

Allante’ Burnell is a Psychologist that uses tool-based treatments to help clients understand the symptoms they experience, and how to use the skills they learn in sessions, within their everyday lives. She also works with couples to assist with issues such as communication, connection-building, emotional dysregulation, and time-management. It is her mission to provide a non-judgmental space for anyone to feel comfortable and to be free within your environment. Call (734) 489-1615  or email allanterbl@gmail.com  to set up a consultation. Visit Allante’ Burnell’s Profile.