Greetings!
I hope you are staying safe, well, and calm during this pandemic. While most of us are strong and healthy enough to weather an illness if we did contract the virus, we still are working to be extra vigilant to help flatten the curve to help keep the coronavirus from spreading to those who are more vulnerable. With that said, let me offer a few tips that I've organized into the acronym HEART, since I think we all need a little extra TLC in a time like this. Here goes:
H: Hygiene. Obviously, we all need to keep ourselves extra clean right now-- the good news is that keeping yourself clean can help boost your mood, even if covid-19 weren't part of the issue! You might also take the "H" for "Help others". If there are friends and family who need groceries but can't go out, or even just people who are lonely in need of a friendly call to say hello---- why not offer yourself to help? Helping others feels really good-- trust me.
E: Educate yourself. Sometimes changing information can be stressful, so let me normalize the concept that new information, updates from health agencies, etc are par for the course when we're learning about a new health issue. So stay abreast of new information, and try to accept that information can change-- it's part of the process.
A: Be affable, if you can! Make an effort to be friendly, and to use your sense of humor even if you're stressed. With social distancing, we can experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, or feel as if we're being rejected. Let's counteract those effects by being REALLY REALLY NICE to each other and ourselves right now!
R: Relax, rejuvenate, and catch up. What are some things you've been wanting to do at home? Organize a few things? Review your financial planning docs? Finally have a chance for downtime, board games with friends/family in your home, etc? Any books on your shelf that have been gathering dust, and now you might finally have time to read them? Personally, I ordered the old classic Chutes and Ladders, I can't wait to play it with my son!:)
T: Take a break from the news and social media. Yes, we need to stay informed and connected-- but if you're constantly getting prodded to focus on repetitive information, you might actually benefit MORE by taking a 4-8 hour fast from the news or social media. You can ask a friend or family member to call or text if any "need to know" updates arise. Sometimes the best thing to do is just take a break.
Thanks for reading. If you'd like more information or videos, please keep scrolling--- I was on ABC Nightline to discuss social distancing, and I made a vlog on coping during difficult world events. Links are below! There's also a collection of this month's press highlights from my office.
If you have questions or comments please feel free to hit reply.... if you know someone who could use these tips please hit "Forward" and send it to them!
Thanks again.
Yours,
Dr. Chloe Carmichael PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
PS If you love the newsletter or see an article you think would help a friend, please feel free to forward this to them - - it's an easy way to show someone you're thinking of them, and of course I always appreciate the chance to share with people who want fresh ideas!
DR. CHLOE ON ABC NIGHTLINE
Check the video below where Dr. Chloe talks about
"The reality of 'social distancing' to prevent coronavirus spread"
DR. CHLOE'S VLOG ON COPING WITH ANXIETY WHEN THE WORLD GETS SCARY
Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
You can also read Dr. Chloe's blogs on:
The CARE System for Difficult World Events
With all the issues facing our world today, I’ve had more clients than ever before seeking help to manage stress from things like terrorism, police shootings, or other acts of violence. I applaud people who are able to recognize this stress and want to face it in a constructive and healthy way. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and share that current events are making you feel anxious, angry, or confused. Recognizing this also empowers you to take healthy, appropriate action. Taking healthy, appropriate action not only makes the world a better place, it’s also good for your mental health and well-being. Read full blog here!
The CARE System for Kids - Helping Kids Manage When the World Gets Scary
When world events like terrorism or random violence occur, it’s hard enough for adults to manage their feelings- but it can be even tougher helping kids to navigate. The CARE system was created by Dr. Chloe Carmichael to help adults find healthy ways to cope with anger or anxiety related to frightening world events. To use the CARE system with kids, first remember that your own sense of calm is important— so make sure you are doing the CARE system yourself or whatever other tools are best for you. To adapt the CARE system for kids, break it down into smaller pieces and modify it for kids. Read full blog here!
Want to read more of Dr. Chloe's blogs? Just click the link below!
QUOTES & TIPS ON HEALTH, ANXIETY, AND STRESS
 Coronavirus Is Wreaking Havoc On Our Mental Health
One of my quotes:
"If you keep excusing yourself to wash your hands on a date and it starts to interfere with your ability to focus on things, that’s a sign it’s starting to get a little bit overboard."
Read the full article.
 How to make a vision board in 5 steps One of my quotes: "Creating a vision board is tangible proof that you're working on yourself... it’s something that should bring you pride." Read the full article. |  Working From Home? Here's What Productivity Experts Say You Should Do To Stay On Task
One of my quotes:
"If you ask your Google Home to play ‘classical music for studying’ or ‘smooth jazz for the office’, you can create a little bit of an office vibe around your home."
Read the full article.
 Dealing with crowds this festival season One of my quotes: “the anxiety we feel at these events is usually on a primal level. It’s survival anxiety and it triggers your fight or flight response” Read the full article. |
DR. CHLOE FOR WIKIHOW
How to Become Emotionally Stable Whether it's an insecure relationship, a chaotic work environment, or just your family driving you absolutely crazy, you’ve probably had those moments where you feel emotionally out of control. However, even when you feel like your emotions aren't your own, remember that you can still choose how to react to those emotions. With a little mindfulness and a bit of practice, being emotionally stable is achievable. Emotional stability starts from you, but don’t hesitate to get help managing your emotions if you need it. | How to Know if You Have Anxiety Anxiety is a psychological malady associated with feelings of tension, worry and dread. While a certain amount of anxiety is a normal feature of modern life, excessive anxiety can be extremely unpleasant, and can be harmful to long-term physical and mental health. Because anxiety can affect many aspects of the sufferer's sense of physical and mental well-being at once, and in subtle ways which may not seem related to anxiety, it can be difficult to identify when you are suffering the symptoms of anxiety. Understanding the physical and psychological symptoms of excessive anxiety, as well as the symptoms of intense, overwhelming episodes called anxiety attacks, is crucial for understanding the role of anxiety in your life. | How to Stop Being a Jealous Girlfriend Jealousy is a natural emotion but it can hurt your relationships if it gets out of control. Deal with your jealous feelings by figuring out where they come from and why they develop. Do your best to communicate openly with your partner to avoid misunderstandings and to reduce your feelings of insecurity. Enjoy being in love but make sure to take care of yourself and your emotional well-being as well. Read the full article. |
NERVOUS ENERGY ACROSS THE GLOBE 😊
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