Coronavirus is, without a doubt, one of the most intense, collective experiences through which I have lived. Together with 9-11, the Jacob Wetterling kidnapping, the Enron scandal, the 2008-2009 economic meltdown, the Minnesota spinal meningitis outbreak, the start of the Persian Gulf War, and the falling of the Berlin Wall, the coronavirus outbreak is a terrifying, unsettling, shared experience. There is quite a bit to make anxiety spike! Though a challenge, below is a list of 10 things that have been helping me to calm down during this tumultuous time.
- Meditate using the Waking Up app from Sam Harris.
- Read a book (Obstacle is the Way is my current favorite!)
- Take a short, 15-minute walk.
- Take a picture of something beautiful and ordinary (the view from my apartment, fresh vegetables, etc.).
- Laugh with my boyfriend.
- Pay attention to the clean water and yummy smelling soap when I wash my hands for 20 seconds.
- Appreciate what I have by thinking of 5 things for which I am grateful.
- Try to think about what opportunities will be coming out of this crisis.
- FaceTime loved ones.
- Watch Gourmet Makes and TED talks on YouTube.
What helps you calm down? Share your ideas below!
Talking Points 