1. Separate what is in your control from what is not.There are things you can do, and it's helpful to focus on those.  Wash your hands.  Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news (Do you really need to know what is happening on a cruise ship you aren't on?).
2. Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it's important not to compare yourself to others.  It's ok if you've decided what makes you feel safe is to limit attendance of large social events, but make sure you separate when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it's part of depression.
3. Get outside in nature--even if you are avoiding crowds. I took a walk yesterday afternoon in my neighborhood with my daughter.  The sun was shining, we got our dose of vitamin D, and it felt good to both get some fresh air and quality time together.   Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health.
4. Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding-you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn't happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment.  Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.
5. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it's ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support.  You don't have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.

Message from Avita Community Partners:

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Anxiety is something most of us have experienced at least once in our life. Public speaking, performance reviews, and new job responsibilities are just some of the work-related situations that can cause even the calmest person to feel a little stressed. This five-step exercise can be very helpful during periods of anxiety or panic by helping to ground you in the present when your mind is bouncing around between various anxious thoughts.

Before starting this exercise, pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep, long breaths can help you maintain a sense of calm or help you return to a calmer state. Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself: 

• 5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. It could be a pen, a spot on the ceiling, anything in your surroundings.

• 4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. It could be your hair, a pillow, or the ground under your feet. 

• 3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. This could be any external sound. If you can hear your belly rumbling that counts! Focus on things you can hear outside of your body.

• 2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. Maybe you are in your office and smell pencil, or maybe you are in your bedroom and smell a pillow. If you need to take a brief walk to find a scent you could smell soap in your bathroom, or nature outside.

• 1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. What does the inside of your mouth taste like-gum, coffee, or the sandwich from lunch?

This technique is one of many options you could use if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. If anxiety is something that you struggle with regularly, and you continue to have trouble refocusing or coping with these feelings, please talk to your doctor

1. Get Active! Go for a run, a walk, jog, or dance around your house. Get your heart rate up, blood pumping, and endorphins flowing!
2. Learn a new skill! Practice playing an instrument, baking something fun, or painting/drawing a picture. Look at the positives and take this time to grow your skillset.
3. Destress by printing out relaxing coloring sheets HERE, to help take your mind off of anything negative or stressful that may be taking your attention away from yourself.

For Information About Georgia Highlands Medical Services, Dawsonville CLICK HERE

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TRAINING FOR PARENTS: Wellness Supports for Children and Teenagers During COVID-19

Wednesday, April 29th 2 PM - 3 PM, Register HERE

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Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, everyday life has changed and will continue to change for many families across Georgia. Children and teens may struggle with significant adjustments to their routines including schools and child care closures, social distancing from friends, home confinement, which may interfere with their sense of structure, predictability, and security.

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This 60-minute webinar will allow for parents and caregivers to:

TRAINING FOR YOUTH: Managing Wellness for Youth & Young Adults during COVID-19

•  Explore how we think, feel and behave (mental health)
•  Understand how disappointments and missed opportunities due to COVID-19 can lead to grief and loss
•  Demonstrate ways to self-advocate and implement wellness strategies.