The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-reaching effects on everything from the global economy, to your local health system, and our day-to-day routines. With many US states mandating people stay at home and practice social distancing, it can easily feel like our lives have been turned upside down.
All this change, combined with fear about the rapidly spreading disease, can have a very negative effect on our mental health as well. The CDC put it bluntly and honestly: “Outbreaks can be stressful.” You don’t need a history of anxiety or depression to be overwhelmed or feel strong emotions during this difficult time. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to focus on mindfulness and mental health during this outbreak.
Our medical teams across the country have been sharing resources, such as guided meditations and mindfulness apps, to help one another cope with the stress of this situation. We wanted to share these same resources with all of you, as well as some other helpful materials. Taking care of ourselves and our communities can help us to cope and serve to make us stronger in time.
We’re all in this together, and we will all get through this together.
Free Resources for Healthcare Workers
- Ten Percent Happier – Coronavirus Sanity Guide
- Headspace – free access to Headspace Plus
- Art of Living – evidence-based breathing and meditation programs
Online Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
- Center for Workplace Mental Health – Working Remotely During COVID-19
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – How to Protect Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Outbreak
- The Porch- The Best Ways to Stay Positive and Motivated While You’re Stuck at Home
