Coping with COVID-19

In these times of uncertainty, the struggles and stress seem to consume us. Whether you lose a job, lose a loved one, or are struggling with anxiety about the world we are currently living in, you are not alone. 

There are resources and strategies to help you stay financially and mentally healthy through this crazy time. It's important to stay motivated and remember that it's okay to ask for help, especially now!

Coping Financially

Financial anxiety surrounds every corner. Whether you’ve lost your job or are just struggling to make ends meet, these feelings are certainly overwhelming. The best things you can do are to use the resources available to you and to prioritize your spending.

Find out what you're eligible for

There are many programs you may be eligible for, such as; sick leave, disability, unemployment, or family medical leave. If you’re self-employed, you may be eligible for a small business loan to keep your business afloat. Don’t be afraid to use these resources! Check out this website to see what you’re eligible for in your state!

Governmental resources aren’t the only resources out there. Food banks and rental assistance are just two of many ways organizations are trying to help out in this time of need. 

Prioritize your bills

You may be the type of person who always pays bills on time, but remember to prioritize necessities. Take care of your basic needs first - shelter, utilities, food, and transportation.

Don’t just ignore your other bills - contact the companies and explain your situation. They may be able to assist you or offer you a payment plan. The best thing you can do is communicate with others. We’re all in this together. 

Coping Mentally

Everyone reacts differently during stressful situations, and COVID-19 has taken this stress up a notch for everyone. Although this is understandable, there are still things you can do to take care of yourself to stay sane during this time of insanity. 

Reach out

Don’t forget to connect with others. Call, text, or video chat with your loved ones. Now is the perfect opportunity to reach out to those who you’ve been missing or wanting to get in contact with. There’s no better time than now, and it will instantly increase your overall mood.

Take a break from the news

Okay, this is a big one. What have you seen in the news other than COVID-19 related topics recently? Constantly hearing about the pandemic can be upsetting and scary! It's okay to take a break. When you call your friend or family member, just ask them for the highlights if you need to know!

Take care of your body

Seriously - we hear this over and over. But, how you treat your body has a huge impact on your mental health! During this time more than ever, it’s easy to get out of sync and fall into a new “normal” such as consuming alcohol daily or staying up late! Although it’s easy to do, don’t let yourself fall into these bad habits. Work on keeping up with the following:

• Get plenty of sleep. Just because you can wake up later than usual doesn't mean you should. Stick to a schedule and see the results!
  
  
• Exercise regularly. Just take a daily walk outside and you will instantly see a lift in your overall wellness and mood! It’s important during these times of solidarity inside that you are still getting enough fresh air. Want to take it to the next level?  YouTube channels like POPSUGAR fitness have FREE workout classes available online! 
  
  
• Fuel your body. Try to eat as healthy as you can - even if you're on a budget. Frozen and fresh veggies have the same amount of nutrients! You may have more time than usual to cook, so take advantage. Also, try avoiding over-consumption of alcohol or consuming too many over processed foods.

And remember, if you need help, you’re not alone. There are tons of resources available to you or a loved one going through a time of depression or severe anxiety. Don't be afraid to ask for help!