LYME SCI: Reducing anxiety and stress about COVID-19
stay calm hunker down

California’s governor has ordered the entire state to “shelter at home.” Other localities are restricting people’s movements as well. Millions of Americans are either working from home or out of work entirely for the foreseeable future.

Like many of you, I have been glued to the news, trying to learn and understand how bad this is going to get. I completely agree with the concept of social distancing and even social isolation during a pandemic.

However, I am also concerned about the mental health of people who are not used to being confined to their homes.

Knowing that stress adversely affects the immune system, I recommend that each of you build time into your day to find something that brings you a sense of peace and joy.

These are unprecedented times. I have not seen the country in such crisis mode since 9/11. On that fateful morning, my children were very young. Although my husband and I were riveted by the news, we didn’t want it to affect our children. We made a concerted effort to protect them from what was happening.

Coping strategies
Lucky for us all, Congress has passed a bill to allow doctors and therapists to conduct sessions via Telehealth. So, if you are in crisis, please reach out to your medical or mental health team today.

First and foremost, make sure that you are prepared. If you lack food, reach out to your local food bank or wellness kitchen. If you are eligible, file for unemployment, family medical leave or the 14 days of sick time just approved by Congress.

Because we don’t know how long this crisis will continue, here are some suggestions on how you can distance yourself from the constant news cycle and possibly find some peace.

Tips for Passing Time While Self-Isolating With Coronavirus

Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings

Coursera | Free Courses from the worlds top Universities

Watch Netflix with friends

Talkspace’s Mental Health Resources for COVID-19

Calm | Take a Deep Breath

Commune virtual yoga + meditation

Aaptive free Apple podcast

Insight Timer – Meditation App

Bloom Psychology | How to Self-Care in A Crisis

Start a cyber book club with your friends on social media

Listen to music

NASA entire media library free to the public

Scholastic Learning at Home

Over 30 Virtual Field Trips

Monterey Bay Aquarium | Ten live cams

Surviving Social Distancing with Your Kids

IKARIA | Stay connected while quarantined

QuiteKit | Guided Meditation for Beginners

Live Better | Coping Calendar

New York Public Library | Free Online Magazines & Newspapers

Free for medical providers

Supportiv | For Health Workers While You Combat COVID-19

Headspace | Free for Healthcare Providers

Free Conference Call

LymeSci is written by Lonnie Marcum, a Licensed Physical Therapist and mother of a daughter with Lyme. Follow her on Twitter: @LonnieRhea Email her at: lmarcum@lymedisease.org .

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Managing stress and tension to heal gut and brain from chronic Lyme
Why did it take so long for me to get tested for COVID-19?

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Many Blessings,
CrystalRiver