by: The PediaStaff Team

This is an unprecedented time of worldwide worry and uncertainty. Many of us are so busy making sure other people are taken care of–our families, our students, our neighbors, our friends, our employees– that we forget to take care of ourselves until we reach the breaking point.

The following links are some of the most up-to-date resources and suggestions for coping with anxiety and stress, particularly around COVID-19. Free online groups, strategies for you and your family, websites for yourself and your children, tips for how to talk to children about this, mindfulness activities, and a wealth of other information and activities can all be found in the links below:

1. Don’t let the name fool you! This National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) press release has some of the most updated and helpful resources out there. They provide multiple links and dozens of strategies for coping with the current state of affairs. If you would like a “one-stop-shop” kind of resource, this link is for you
2. Changes in routine and uncertainty around the future can create tension and anxiety for the entire family. The idea of mindfulness is to practice being in the NOW.   Calm.com is a great resource to help adults and children practice mindfulness for free.   The Calm blog includes meditation, yoga, calming music resources, etc. (Please note, you may have to reload the webpage more than once when first opening due to the large number of people accessing the link.)