Whether you follow entertainment, sports, or politics, every headline right now is about one thing and one thing only: the coronavirus. COVID-19 has sickened thousands across the globe, and for those of us who are fortunate enough to be healthy, it has drastically changed the way we live.
It’s hard to escape the harsh realities of this moment when we’re constantly confronted with the latest information on Twitter, on our televisions, and in the news alerts that pop up on our phones. More often than not, this 24-hour news cycle has left me feeling anxious and helpless. It’s a lot to handle, and it’s completely understandable if you’re feeling the same way.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to help us regain some control. “Our bodies are currently in survival mode working with a threat we don’t quite know yet,” clinical psychologist Emma Svanberg told POPSUGAR. “But we can use techniques to make sure our stress doesn’t overwhelm us.”
Through trial and error, I’ve been working to find ways to feel just a little better. I want to stay informed about what’s going on in the world, but I can’t ignore the toll it’s taking on my mental wellbeing. If you find yourself in the same position, here are some ideas to help you cope and find that elusive balance.