5 ways to protect yourself from pandemic ptsd

A big reason for this fragile psychological state is that humans are hardwired to soothe stress by being around other people. “We are meant to live, work and play in groups. Huge parts of

our brain and body are dedicated to connecting with each other,” Perry says, explaining that the presence of others serves as unconscious feedback that we're safe. Of course, during the

pandemic this past year, nearly everyone had less social support, with people living alone or those who had recently retired or lost their job most severely impacted. How COVID Affects

Mental Health of Older Adults TIPS TO TRY NOW TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF Fortunately, you can minimize the risk that emotional problems will linger after the pandemic ends. Experts advise

incorporating these self-care steps into your life right now. 1. GET TOGETHER WITH OTHERS. Make it a top priority to regularly meet with friends for walks, coffee or dinner, and make the

effort to get back to your bridge game or volunteering as things fully open up. 2. WATCH YOUR BREATH. Meditation is one of the most powerful tools for trauma recovery, says Gordon, who has

successfully used it with people in war zones. He prefers to call it “soft belly breathing,” because it needn't involve a specific process or ritual. His take on the practice? Just sit

in a comfortable chair for 10 minutes and focus on the word “soft” as you slowly and deeply inhale and “belly” as you exhale. 3. LET YOUR BODY MOVE. Exercising is key to eliminating the

stresses trapped in the body, Perry notes. Moving outside in nature is best, but even walking around your house for a few minutes every hour can work wonders, he says. Gordon recommends

taking a few minutes to stand with your knees slightly bent while shaking your whole body, rag-doll style, to shed tension you may not realize you're holding on to. 4. RETURN TO

NUTRITIONAL BASICS. During the pandemic, many of us have reached for creamy and salty comfort foods as a way to self-soothe. But trauma can damage the digestive tract, which is healed with a

healthful diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy oils, Gordon advises. 5. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. If you feel especially anxious or depressed or are using

maladaptive coping strategies like drinking, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional, Stonnington says. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye

movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are especially valuable for trauma.