MY THINKING
Your thinking is impacted by how you feel, so be kind to yourself!
It is important to remember these times are not normal or typical. Writing out your thoughts and emotions can help you to organize, understand, and express your feelings
- Your concentration may be reduced, making it hard for you to take in new information
- You may experience a decreased interest in activities you once enjoyed
- You may find it difficult to plan and anticipate future events
- You may have a hard time understanding responsibility
- You may have difficulties learning
- You may interpret ambiguous events/information as threatening
- You may experience worry for loved ones
Developing routines is one method for reducing the amount of worry you may experience. Routines will help you feel more in control of the situation! Here are a few suggestions:
- Consistent sleep
- Regular meals
- Limiting caffeinated beverages (these can increase worry)
- Use physical activity to relieve stress
- Limit social media concerning COVID-19
Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce worry and anxiety!
- During the first few times, if you feel like your mind is scattered, that is okay. It is important to keep trying!
- Remember that your body is in the present, allow your mind to be in the present too!
- Practice self-compassion ("I am doing the best that I can right now")
Positive Psychology Tips
- Identify three (or more!) positive things about your day
- Make a list of things that you are grateful for
- Identify personal strengths to use in a novel way
- Challenge your negative and irrational thoughts ("I will be happy today", "I will make time to have fun")
- Have a belief mindset ("This will work", "Things will get better")
- When you feel overwhelmed make small goals to achieve the bigger goal
- Ask what are the next steps you can take to achieve your goals?
Mindfulness resources