Coping with COVID

Written by Elaine Foell, Faith Community Nurse

How many times since March have you heard “ we will get through this “ or “ we are all in this together”? As the light at the end of the tunnel hasn’t emerged yet, what can we do to help relieve our stress and anxiety?

For me, I have to keep to a routine and stay busy. I do distance learning for two of my grandchildren three times per week. After they leave, I wipe down everything and I have hand sanitizer everywhere! I wear a mask when out and about. No risk taking here! I read a lot and take advantage of all the PBS DVDs on loan at the library. I knit, which studies have shown releases serotonin to help me relax. I don’t watch the news until 5:30pm and don’t channel surf. I golf and it feels very good to whack that poor golf ball. Bye-bye stress! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll hear loud music from the 60’s and 70’s coming from my house. Staying in touch with others is doable with Zoom, and I’ve held socially distanced coffee hours on my patio.

Planning for fall and winter will need to be more intentional. I’ll probably need to walk, masked, at the gym. I’ve made lists of movies, books, and podcasts that have been recommended for future use. I’ve become more savvy with the DVD player, my cell phone, and my computer; as I feel this will be a life line for communication. As I’ve never been in this situation before, who knows what else I’ll come up with?

I thank God for my health, my family and the CtK community. I think we all now realize that we need the help of others. I thank God for all the researchers, guinea pigs, medical personnel and scientists that are collecting new information and developing treatment options. I believe we will get through this together with God’s help. Stay safe and sane CtK!
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It is completely normal to have increased stress and anxiety during this time of COVID. It is important to be gentle with yourself and others, as well as to take steps to support both your own and your family’s mental well-being.

Resources:
Disaster distress line: 1-800-985-5990
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): namimn.org
CDC: Stress and Coping: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
Minnesota Mobile Mental Health Crisis Line: Call **274747
Christ the King Faith Community Nurses
          Judy Benke: 651-631-2022
          Elaine Foell: [email protected]
         Julie Philbrook: [email protected]t