Hallion lives in Pittsburgh, she told Ars. “I actually live in Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood,” she admitted with a chuckle. “And his famous quote , you know, is ‘Look for the helpers.’ But I want to flip that and I want us to
be a helper. Try to find ways to help other people and to reach out — to be one of the people who can help those who are in greater need. ”
Hallion had concrete suggestions for ways to help: “If you can, run errands for elderly neighbors or people in your community who need the help. If you can think of ways to do outreach to people who need it, to get to folks who are alone. Plug in people who are willing to dedicate their spare time to have a constructive project that is actually also helping people. I can’t think of a better solution for stress isolation for anybody. ” She added that children who want to help could be writing cards and making phone calls (or video calls) to elderly family members, but also sending cards to nursing homes to reach older folks who are at risk, alone, and scared.
“Opportunities for reaching out can help take us out of our own heads and out of our own worried spirals and help put our attention elsewhere and help us feel like we’re doing a good thing, because we are, “she added.
Many communities are using tools like Nextdoor, Facebook groups, email listservs, and even good old-fashioned phone trees to connect neighbors who can help to neighbors who need help. Some even have more custom solutions connecting hundreds of families. If your building, neighborhood, or town isn’t organized yet, consider becoming the organizer.
There are some other key ways to contribute to communal well-being if you can. For those who are healthy and physically able, the US Surgeon General is all but begging for more blood debt to step up, as supplies have crashed at the same time as hospitalizations are expected to increase.
And if you have any to spare, money is always a welcome help. Food pantries need extra cash donations right now, while groceries are hard to come by, schools are closed, and millions of workers, especially at the low end of the wage scale, are facing layoffs and reductions in hours. Small local businesses, too, will be reaching out to loyal customers for support. Your body and your feelings
Your mind and your body are not separate and never have been. That means stress and anxiety can give you physical symptoms — but on the flip side, it also means you can do an end-run around your brain by changing what you’re doing with your body.
Go for a walk. Right now. We’ll wait.
It is officially spring in the United States, and in many parts of the country the weather is gorgeous. If you are physically able and not under active quarantine, one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health both is to get outside and go for a walk every day the weather allows.
Folks who already have running, jogging, or cycling routines outdoors can of course keep on keeping on. But even if you have an indoor workout routine going for you, getting outside and getting moving — no matter how slowly — is incredibly important for everyone right now, perhaps especially those of us who haven’t done so before.
“Social distancing does not mean, ‘stay in your by bedroom forever, ‘or your apartment, condo, or home, “Olson said. “We’re not going into gathering spaces, like stores and bars and restaurants. But now is the perfect
“Exercise is probably the best behavioral intervention there is for anxiety or depression,” he added, suggesting everyone get out for an hour or so if they can. “Fresh air, oxygen, exercise — even if just moderately paced — is helpful to our bodies in terms of calming that physiological response that happens with anxiety.”
“Taking a regular walk is essential , “Hallion stressed, both for those feeling cramped in close quarters and people living on their own. “Get out, get fresh air, get exercise every day.” Keep at least six feet away from the neighbors when you pass them, “but if you’re not fully under quarantine, and you’re social distancing, absolutely go for walks if you can.”
Deep breathing works
You know how your mom always told you to take a deep breath? She was right: it works. But deep breathing is something to practice before You’re well and truly panicked.
There are untold numbers of apps, websites, and YouTube videos that can guide you through deep breathing exercises. The trick is to find something you can stick to, and to do it regularly — especially when you’re feeling fine.
“Breathing exercises take practice, and they take more practice than people think,” Olson said. “Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day when you’re not anxious, because that’s when you’re learning how to calm somebody.”
He suggested a four-times-per-day routine: “Do it in the morning, do it at lunch, do it at dinner time, and do it before you go to bed. ” The routine he suggested is all sets of ten: Inhale slowly over the count of Hold for the count of Release slowly for the count of Hold for the count of Repeat times
“Oh, that’s too much work,” he said many people end up saying. “But that’s what deep breathing exercises are . Not just practicing it when you’re anxious and need to do something. “
Meditation, prayer, and visualization exercises can all have the same effect of calming senses and thoughts, he added. Many local yoga studios, gyms, and fitness centers in your area are probably now offering online classes to follow along with at home, and Several wellness apps are offered free , reduced cost, or extended trial services to folks who may need a little help getting moving and getting out of their own heads at home.
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