“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

― Lori Gottlieb, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

Here is are some thoughts of how to stay resilient during a challenging time (more details in the resources below):

1. Practice self care + calming practice - resources below to help with this. This is highly individual! Do what brings you comfort. Breathing, meditation, spiritual practice, cup of tea, yoga can all be helpful.

2. Look to the heroes - as Greater Good Science says, when we focus on those who are helping (healthcare workers, public servants) "we feel what is called moral elevation—a warm feeling inside that inspires us, fueling optimism and a desire to act altruistically ourselves."

3. Communicate w/your kids as appropriate - HERE is a great resource by Dr. Kristen Aberle, SPARK team member and Licensed Psychologist.

4. Practice compassion - a powerful practice "acknowledges our vulnerability and it brings out our strengths so that we can be a lamp, a bridge, a source of medicine to the hearts of others and ourselves..." (from J. Kornfield's excellent meditation.)

5. Focus on what you can control- As the AFSP recommends "separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those." Wash your hands. Eat healthy. Sleep.

6. Maintain social connections, especially during social distancing - email, call, and video chat with friends and family. Use this as a time to catch up with others (find time to laugh and feel joy).

7. Limit the news - think of this as a healthy diet for your mind - watch your intake. You deserve to protect your mind from overwhelm. (And limit exposure to people who overwhelm you with negative news.)

8. Exercise if you can - moving helps relieve stress and affirm a feeling of strength.

9. Get outside - fresh air and sunshine do wonders. Nature has a unique ability to calm and show that after the storms of life, all will be well.

10. Practice Gratitude - Gratitude refocuses us on what is going right in the world. It also helps us recognize the heroes around us.

11. Work on a productive project - (declutter the house, bake, create...) Action is an antidote to anxiety.

12. Derive comfort from common humanity - the Benson Henry Institute suggests deriving comfort from the fact that we are all in this together and there are experts across the globe helping.

13. Get professional help if needed - resources for support are below.

Featured Books + Guides