Tips for Staying Calm & Connected
Coping with COVID-19 and a new normal
As reports about COVID-19 vary, health care workers need to remain ready. That can be stressful in itself. Perhaps these tips will help you find ways to relax and enjoy some time to yourself. Please reach out if you need to talk, or if we can assist in any way.
Also, in recognition for Juneteenth and Lehigh Valley Health Network’s zero tolerance for racism, we offer food for thought: The Unlearning of Racism and White Supremacy
Week of June 21:
- With precautions, a weekend BBQ might be fun:
Here’s how to grill a beef burger perfectly and tips for grilling veggie burgers
- Virtual exercise and relaxation:
Find continually changing workouts and yoga sessions at LVHN Fitness - Have a few moments to relax?
Start one of these books
Week of June 14:
- Practicing gratitude can help you cope:
Gratitude is also linked to lower risk of heart disease - Getting together in small groups:
The pros and cons of “social bubbles” - Learning from tennis:
Expanding your energy with the 16-second cure
Week of June 7:
- Do you know the 10 signs and symptoms of stress?
LVHN offers 13 suggestions for relief - The local farmers markets are opening again:
Look for these healthy foods while they’re in season - Now is the perfect time for a hike:
These PA trails are simply breathtaking
Week of May 31:
- Paying attention to your emotional health?
It can lead to more trust among patients - Get ready for Philadelphia Eagles’ season:
They are planning to be back starting in August 2020 - Gardening in summer:
Your guide to heat-tolerant plants
Week of May 24:
- Difficulty finding child care?
If you work in a life-sustaining position, these providers may be able to help - When you’ve had a bad day:
Try these suggestions if your mind is on overload - Gentle yoga can reduce stress and rebalance your life:
LVHN Fitness Yoga – 1 hr class
Week of May 17:
- Staying afloat:
Financial support for physicians and practices during COVID-19 - Reducing anxiety:
Why leaders need meditation now more than ever - In the mood for an uplifting movie?
These documentaries will leave you with a smile
Week of May 10:
- Mental health benefits of storytelling for health care workers:
Listen to this Ted Talk with Laurel Braitman from Stanford Medical School - Gardens and yards give you good reasons to get outside:
Early summer tips from Fine Gardening - Virtual dog therapy is just what we need right now:
Gazing into a dog’s eyes to reduce anxiety
Week of May 3:
- Coffee with Arielle: Navigating your new normal:
Tips for emotional well-being from LVHN colleague Arielle Arbushites, MSW, LSW - Travel recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were updated April 29:
Coronavirus and travel in the United States - Enjoy these audio dramas from the BBC:
Eight dramas to help you escape
Week of April 26:
- Consider trauma-informed yoga:
Gentle & Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Sequence for Grounding and Upper Body Release
- As the weather warms, it’s refreshing to get outside in the garden:
Top 10 tips to prepare your garden for Spring
- Suggestions for sustaining yourself during the crisis:
First Responders First – Self-Care Microsteps
Week of April 19:
- A quick guide to apps, free workouts, news sources that have dropped their paywall, and more:
These apps and services are responding to coronavirus pandemic - Watching two baby eaglets come of age on the live bald eagle nest cam can be relaxing (use Chrome for your browser):
Live Bald Eagle Nest Cam - Keeping your family safe while working with COVID-19:
How doctors can keep their families safe
Week of April 12:
- Keeping your family safe while working with COVID-19:
How doctors can keep their families safe after providing COVID-19 care - Try this 3-minute mindfulness exercise from LVHN:
3-minute breathing space (audio) - Everything you need to know about food safety and shopping:
Getting Groceries During Quarantine
Week of April 5:
- Learn how to overcome worry, from Psychology Tools:
Living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty (PDF) - Let music, on Netflix, bring you enjoyment and distraction:
List of Concerts on Netflix - Add structure to each day with physical activity. Try these workouts from LVHN Fitness: