MADISON, Wis (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Let’s face it, these days it can be tough trying to stay positive with everything going on with the COVID-19 outbreak. It's why a distinguished UW Health Psychologist is offering you some simple tips to help your mood during this difficult time. Dr. Shilagh Mirgain says instead of just practicing social distancing, try this trick too.
‘Practice something called temporal distancing, which is simply to think about yourself a year or two from now, that future you and what would you want that person to say to you about this really stressful situation, when you think about that, you might think about it in a different way," Dr. Mirgain said.
She says during this time you might also consider passing the difficult days by pouring yourself into a 'corona-goal' or two.
"Maybe you want to just prioritize having that time with your family and your kids and doing something together like a board game or some art or just learning something new, and for those of who may have some interests in a new hobby to explore through YouTube," she said.
Dr. Mirgain says spend your days indluging in some 'me-time'. She says it will do more than boost your spirits.
"Take this time, be about self care, it’s one of the best things to keep your immune system strong, really prioritize sleep, be sure you are getting around 7 hours a night, making sure you are exercising in away that works for your body," Dr. Mirgain said. "And, stay connected to one another we know even if it just by phone having that emotional social support is really important for optimal wellbeing at this time," she added.
She also urges anyone feeling worry or anxiety to try this simple trick.
"If your mind starts to race, you can imagine putting a large X In your mind over those images, and maybe focusing on something in the moment, the aroma of your coffee," she said.
Because staying positive and present is important and she cautions against reading the headlines constantly.
’We don’t want to be 24/7 checking because that really revs up anxiety and that really gets us into fight or flight and that really weakens are immune system
Dr. Mirgain has a series of meditational videos and breathing exercises she is sharing with you to help you cope with the outbreak, click here for more details:
https://www.drshilaghmirgain.com/meditations
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