Community Corner
Teaneck Coronavirus Update On Stress And Coping
Teaneck issued a PSA on what residents can do for self-care during the coronavirus pandemic.
April 8, 2020
Over the past few weeks, the incredibly fast change to our day-to-day lives is stressful. There are effective ways to deal with frustration, anger, anxiety, frayed nerves, boredom, etc. --- that so many are already experiencing and that may become more significant over time.
Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Here are some healthy ways you and your loved ones can deal with stress:
- Establish a daily routine
- Get up at the same time every morning
- Make sure you still shower/get dressed (as opposed to lying around in your PJs all day)
- If you’re working from home, establish a well-defined space to do your work
- Maintain a consistent mealtime. Avoid “stress eating” and do not engage in increased smoking/alcohol use in an effort to relieve anxiety and stress.
- Exercise regularly or engage in yoga. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Go for a walk outside and keep a respectful distance from others who are doing the same
- Get plenty of sleep
- Communicate often with friends and family through phone, FaceTime, Skype, and other forms of communication (email, letter, etc.)
- Stimulate your brain. Read a book, listen to an audio book, or listen to podcasts. Try crossword puzzles, word games, etc. Watch positive and uplifting movies or online videos.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some activities you enjoy.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Stay informed but don’t get sucked into nonstop 24-hour crisis. Find the right balance of staying well informed and avoid negative information/thoughts.
- Talk to a professional or people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
If you are feeling stressed about COVID-19, the NJDOH has established a toll free “warm line” which is a resource for people seeking mental health services. The warm line is activated during events that impact the mental health of NJ residents: 877-294-HELP (4357) – available 24/7. Note: the warm line does not replace 911 and is not used to report emergencies. Other mental health services: Mental Health Hotline 866-202-4357; NJ Hopeline 855-654-6735.
Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tips-social-distancing-quarantine-isolation-031620.pdf
This press release was produced by the Township of Teaneck. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
