Coronavirus Tips

How to Manage Your Loneliness  April 20, 2020  New York Times

The Cigna study indicated that 79 percent of those aged 18 to 22 considered themselves lonely. Among this group, heavy social media users were more likely to say they’re feeling lonely, Dr. Nemecek said, “so leveraging social media in the right way to make and maintain meaningful connections with someone else is very important.” For example, he said it’s likely to be more beneficial to have a video chat instead of just reading the news on social media or scrolling through Twitter posts.

There can be a greater risk of depression among those who have no social contact or social support, said Lisa Cox, a licensed clinical social worker and professor of social work and gerontology at Stockton University. But she says if those individuals exercise self-care, they can fare well. This includes participating in online support groups, yoga and stretching, keeping a gratitude journal, practicing mindfulness and immersing yourself in creative endeavors like drawing and listening to music.

Dr. Cox acknowledged that it can be difficult to exert the energy to try new things when you’re lonely, but said it’s worth giving it a try. Dr. Pinker said video chats are the next best thing to being there — anything that mimics the reciprocity of real interactions, or where you’re all “paying attention to the same thing at the same time.”

It’s an ideal time to pick up the phone and check in with friends and family with whom you’ve lost contact, she said. And just getting out and taking a walk around the block can help replicate the routine of your day as you once headed to work or a coffee shop, creating the opportunity to “see people in a casual way,” Dr. Pinker said. Both she and Dr. Cox say apps like Houseparty, which allows you to participate virtually in activities like games with friends or Netflix Party, where you can watch movies with friends who aren’t with you, can provide a means of social connection.

How to Manage Panic Attacks April 11, 2020  New York Times

Dr. Bufka urges those experiencing a panic attack to practice full, consistent breathing to combat hyperventilation. Dr. Nestadt said it helps to reassure yourself that you’re safe and that the uncomfortable feelings will pass. He suggests using relaxing distractions, like listening to music. A technique called “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” is another distraction method: You stop to notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.

Dr. Vyas also recommends exercising, which can relieve anxiety.

Ms. Daniels said she was trying to stave off future panic attacks by taking six-mile walks to breathe fresh air and be around nature. She has also returned to art, a hobby she pursued in high school. “I’m focusing on minor activities to try and plan out my day, so I don’t freak out, and have something to do.”

 

Neighbors Not Practicing Social Distancing? Here’s What to Do April 17, 2020 New York Times

How to control your actions and support best practices.

 

FOMO Is Over. Give In to the Joy of Letting Go.  New York Times

Being yourself is in again!!

 

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