What do you do when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

Cohen Veterans Network — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:33:27 -0400

Are you stressed or overwhelmed by all the news of the COVID-19 outbreak? One of our Cohen Clinics put together a few tips to that may help. What do you do? Add other suggestions to the list.

1. Breathe. When there are things you don't have control over, take a deep breath and practice mindfulness.
2. Focus on what you DO have control over.
3. Limit your news intake.
4. Don't panic. Follow CDC recommendations.
5. Try to maintain your normal routine, as much as possible.
6. Eat healthy foods in moderation.
7. Get outdoor exercise every day.
8. Maintain a normal sleep schedule.
9. Talk to friends on the phone if you're feeling lonely.
10. Try to do fun things that are new to you - and keep your brain busy!

*If you have a mental health condition and find that symptoms of anxiety and depression worsen - get help right away. Contact our Cohen Clinics (cohenveteransnetwork.org) or, if you're experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1 or the Veterans Crisis line 24/7: [login to see] , Press 1.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 20 at 2020 11:40 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:40:07 -0400

- Positive thinking
- Prioritize stressors
- Listen to music
- Stay busy
- Become numb
- I ask myself is it really that bad?
- What is really bothering me?
- Talk positively
- Use breathing techniques
- Think of who and what you love
- Think of what is beautiful
- Tell yourself it will be alright

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 20 at 2020 11:40 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:40:45 -0400

I read the Bible and listen to classical music.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 20 at 2020 12:10 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:10:48 -0400

Great list. My first move is usually to get our dog out for a run. Clears my head and as a cattle dog, it gets his energy out.

Response by SP5 Leo Fitz made Mar 20 at 2020 2:22 PM

SP5 Leo Fitz — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:22:36 -0400

Myself I like number three. We need to be informed, but enough is enough. Also try to learn to just be still and know things will work out.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Mar 20 at 2020 2:24 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:24:09 -0400

These are great strategies. In my clinical experience,aerobic exercise confers a degree of protection.
Focusing on your more immediate environment is what we refer to as "an internal locus of control". It too confers protection. Focusing on what you still have also confers protection.
When we are faced w/ a threat to our well being we can flee, freeze, or face it.In facing it we utilizing what we refer to as "the challenge appraisal".
Be well and stay healthy!
Rich

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2020 2:59 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:59:13 -0400

I go out into my Back 40 and waste a couple three boxes of lead, killing dirt clods!!!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 23 at 2020 10:11 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 22:11:30 -0400

“Everything will be all right”. “It will all work out”. Take a deep breath and STOP until you relax a bit. All three are applicable at certain moments.

Everything’s OK Chuckie. STEADY!!