WHO Shares Steps to Maintain Good Mental Health During COVID-19

Feeling stressed while social distancing and following other precautions to avoid spreading the coronavirus? You're not alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives us some tips to maintain low stress levels and good mental health during these unprecedented times. WHO recommends avoiding watching or reading the news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. They suggest seeking information that gives you practical steps to prepare your plans and to protect your loved ones. Seek information at specific times during the day -- once or twice a day, not once or twice an hour. The near constant stream of news about the outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. The organization also reminds us not to attach the outbreak to any one ethnicity or nationality; instead, show empathy for all people afflicted with the disease.

Other health experts give the following tips: maintain routines, avoid crowds (but find a way to stay connected to others), get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, avoid drinking in excess, exercise, look to reliable news sources, take breaks, and seek help if needed.