--- title: "5 Simple Ways to Ease Your COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety | Sutter Health" description: "A Sutter mental health expert shares simple strategies, from daily routines to digital breaks, to help manage the emotional toll of the pandemic." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/5-tips-for-easing-your-mind-from-covid-19-stress" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) / 3. 5 Tips For Easing Your Mind From Covid 19 Stress # 5 Tips for Easing Your Mind from COVID-19 Stress A Sutter mental health expert shares simple strategies, from daily routines to digital breaks, to help manage the emotional toll of the pandemic. January 20, 2021 by Liz Madison 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. ## Topics [Stress](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Stress%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Mental health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Mental+health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ![Woman relaxing surounded by plants holding a laptop](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/EM5OmSghIQErnyINVGCliJ2w4OFGGHbQWFoViU5xxRs/fit=scale-down,dpr=2,width=1024) ## Behavioral health care Your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with addiction, eating or mood disorders or other challenges, our behavioral health specialists can offer care, comfort and support. [Learn more about Behavioral health care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/behavioral-health-care) ## Related articles ### [Finding Strength in Being Fully Herself](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/finding-strength-in-being-fully-herself) ### [Tag Team Approaches Helping Earn Wins for Mental Healthcare](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/tag-team-approaches-helping-earn-wins-for-mental-healthcare) ### [Site Updates: Sutter Emeryville Campus](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/site-updates-sutter-emeryville-campus) ### [Where Data Meets Care: Advancing Medicine Through Research](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/where-data-meets-care-advancing-medicine-through-research) [See all from Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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