5 Tips for Easing Your Mind from COVID-19 Stress

Jan 20, 2021

Liz Madison

African American dad and daughter cooking over a stove at home

New developments emerge every day with the COVID-19 pandemic. After more than a year, the toll of these changes can have a cumulative effect and weigh on one’s mental health. How can someone stay present and mindful in stressful moments?

1. Get Back into Routines. Maintaining a consistent schedule for daily activities—like sleep, exercise and downtime—can help you feel more in control of things you have influence over.

2. Take a Break. Overconsumption of COVID-19 news can feel overwhelming. Take periodic breaks from the news and social media to help maintain balance.

3. Stay-at-Home Hobbies. More time at home can mean more time for hobbies. Reacquaint yourself with a favorite past time or dive into something new. Creative outlets can help one feel clear, calm and even joyful.

For the rest of these tips, check out our video featuring Lindsay Cunha, Psy.D., from Sutter’s Mental Health and Addiction Care team.

Health Topics

Recent Articles

Hundreds of runners fill the streets for a marathon in the early morning hours

Training for Long Runs? How to Manage Those Aches, Pains

With the California International Marathon being held in Sacramento on Dec. 8, Vitals will publish a series of three stories that offer tips on running long distances and competing in marathons with expert information from orthopedic specialists affiliated with...

Sury Maturi, a father and husband, and his wife smiling.

Community Health Patient Experience & Engagement Patient Stories z_Hero Image 1

Sury’s Story: Managing Diabetes with Walks and Family Support

Can you imagine having to inject yourself with insulin for the rest of your life? Well, that was the scenario Sury Maturi, a father and husband, faced after receiving some shocking news from his doctor. "In June 2010 I got my wakeup call," says Maturi. "My...

Innovation & Technology Press Releases & Statements z_Editor's Pick

$12M Gift Fuels Transplant Innovation at CPMC

Photo Caption: (Left to Right) Dr. Casey Ward, Lynne Bosworth, Kevin Kranzusch and Dr. Jennifer Guy | Photo credit: Alain McLaughlin Sutter Health Receives $12 Million Gift from Kevin Kranzusch and Lynne Bosworth to Drive Innovation in Transplant Care at CPMC SAN...

Team of medical researchers in lab and wearing lab coats and surgical masks

Awards & Recognitions Research & Clinical Trials z_Editor's Pick

Physicians, Scientists Champion New Knowledge to Inform Wellness

Results of a survey released this month by the Pew Research Center suggest that, despite a slight increase in trust, scientists continue to face challenges regaining public engagement after the COVID-19 pandemic. Given these findings, physician-researchers across...