So a lot is coming at us, and very quickly. All this uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is fuelling fear and some pretty intense energy. It can all feel overwhelming…Nevertheless, here are some steps you can take to recenter yourself to help keep perspective.

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Get informed
As the situation develops, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest accurate information. Seek out legitimate sources, such as the World Health Organization and trusted news sources, and avoid fear-driven misinformation. This doesn’t help anyone.

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Note headline fatigue
Know when enough is enough, and when to pull away. Limit your exposure to media to reduce overwhelm and limit yourself to how much time you are willing to spend taking in the surge of headlines.

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Set brain breaks
When you notice yourself feeling too overwhelmed, take a brain break and do something that feels restorative and nourishing. Watch some vids of puppies, babies, sunrises, or whatever else makes you smile. Read. Craft. Sew. Focus on something that makes you feel happy. Because here’s the thing: that’s part of our world too, so let’s not lose sight of what makes it so worthwhile.

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Connect with loved ones
Reach out (from a safe distance) to loved ones for emotional support. Call or text to check in. Talk. Smile. Laugh. Share your worries and your fears, as well as what you’ve seen working. Be courteous. This goes a long way in times of stress. It may sound counter-intuitive, but isolation and focusing on yourself only is the enemy of self-care.
RELATED: 10 signs you’re emotionally intelligent (and 5 signs you’re not).
RELATED: 10 signs you’re emotionally intelligent (and 5 signs you’re not).

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Mind over matter
Meditate. Pray. Focus on deep, slow breathing. Try guided imagery, listening to calming nature sounds, laughter or singing. These things naturally lift our spirits.

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Know what’s within our control
Remember that in every situation, there is an element of control, even if this means only being able to control your response to the situation. Take care of your own hygiene, following best practices for avoiding transmission. Hydrate, eat healthy foods to boost your immune system, sleep. Contact your workplace to clarify any policies and supports, if needed, and adjust your own finances and spending to accommodate the shift in the global economic situation.

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Honour your feelings
Acknowledge the anxiety, fear, and all the unsettling feelings you’re experiencing. That’s a natural reaction to situations such as this, and allow yourself to grapple with these feelings. It means you are sensitive to what’s happening around you and this is a good thing, because it makes you pay attention, and it makes you agile and adaptive - all strengths in times of uncertainty.

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Look for the silver lining
Amidst all this, the mass scale at which coordination and collaboration is happening is, in fact, encouraging. People are pulling together to resolve this global problem, and perhaps this pandemic will inadvertently help pave the way towards a better, stronger future together.
Related: 11 ways to improve your self-love now.
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