Get Mental Health Care

Keep in touch with people you trust on a routine basis (daily, if possible).

• Call or text friends and family to connect on a personal level. If you have children in your life, read them a story.
• Use FaceTime or Skype to express your feelings and laugh (which lets pent up feelings go).

A free community service. Volunteers who are trained to listen are on hand any time 24/7.

• Peer Run Warm Line: 1-855-845-7415 (online chat also available).
• Friendship Line (for seniors): 1-888-670-1360.

Studies show that people with a “glass half-full” outlook are healthier and less stressed. They can even live longer!

• Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment. For example, take a walk, garden, clean, read, listen to a favorite song/ album/podcast or try a new recipe.
• Practice positive self-talk. You might think, “Being alone all the time is just too sad. I’ll never get through this.” Instead, try “I’ve been through challenging times before and I am strong enough to make it through this.”
• Try to remember a specific happy memory in detail. That will help you feel good now.

This will help you process unhelpful thoughts and feelings.

• Journals let you to look back with self-confidence at how you coped with challenges. They can also help you think through or “feel through” difficult feelings.
• Start a “gratitude journal” where you jot down things that went well in your day. They can be big or small, such as laughing with a friend, seeing a beautiful sunset or walking your dog.
• If you don’t want to write, draw pictures about how you feel.

Expand your skills and knowledge to keep your mind active and engaged.

• Look for virtual tours of museums or places you’d like to visit.
• Read about a topic that has nothing to do with the news. Is there someone or some time period you’ve always wanted to know more about? This is a great time to learn more by reading book watching a documentary on that subject.
• Keep your brain challenged with online puzzles, crosswords or sudoku.
• Practice a musical instrument to keep your mind focused and engaged.

Nurture your mind, body and spirit!

• Reading novels, listening to audiobooks and watching movies are great ways to distract yourself for a bit and enjoy the fun of storytelling.
• Put on some of your favorite music, close your eyes and listen without distractions or talking. Focusing only on the music can help soothe you and calm your mind.
• Try meditation. Sit and focus on your breathing. Try breathing in as you count to five, hold your breath for a count of six, and then release your breath as you count to seven. Doing this a few times is a quick way to feel more relaxed. Or you can do a guided meditation:
  • Search for a guided meditation online (e.g., YouTube).
  • Download a free app, such as:
    • Calm - For sleep, meditation and relaxation.
    • My Life Meditation - Helps you stop, breathe and think clearly.
• Listen to podcasts that support self-care, such as On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
• Eat well. Keep a food journal to track your healthy eating efforts and jot down your intentions to become mindful of what you’re eating.
• Go outside. If you are unable to get outside, sit near a window with natural light.