Stay resilient during the pandemic

Human beings respond to stress in the same way we respond to physical danger: fight, flight or freeze. And facing the impact of a global pandemic at home and in your community can be extremely stressful, especially for frontline workers. All of us are dealing with a range of stress reactions and feelings: Fear, anxiety, loneliness, insomnia, irritability, anger and depression are all normal.

Resilience is the ability to face and recover from adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and prolonged stress. The more resilient you are, the more able you are to bring yourself back to your steady, safe state. Try these strategies to help yourself stay mentally and physically resilient during this difficult time.

Sleep

Develop a good routine to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Exercise

Move your body. Dance, run, jump, walk.

Connect

Be with people who care about you.

Reframe

See silver linings, a new angle, a glass half full.

Let go

Accept the things you cannot change.

Take action

And change the things you can.

Self-compassion

Be kind to yourself, appreciate yourself.

Give back

Doing something for others replenishes you.

Be present

Practice mindfulness with four slow, deep breaths.

Ask for help

Reach out to a counselor, doctor or spiritual leader.

(Adapted from Alvarez Porter Group)