Coping with Today's Worries

Whether it's 24/7 news or your social media feed, Coronavirus is at the forefront of all of our minds. While being well-informed is the best antidote to being fearful, there's no denying the stress and anxiety folks are feeling amid this outbreak.

While the majority of us probably don't have "Take a walk" or "Stop and stretch" marked on our calendar, these are a couple of good outlets to help cope with today's worries.

The CDC recognizes that: "Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger." The organization offers the following recommendations:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

I am especially sensitive to how the constant news is affecting teens and children. Parents: The CDC has some good tips for this too.

Of course we all deal with stress differently. Let's be sure to take care of ourselves and one another. We're in this together, and we will get through this.

John Cornyn
United States Senator