Confused yet? All this talk about avoiding stress, eating healthy, and getting plenty of rest seems to show the depths of confusion. We are now dealing with COVID 19 and a country in lock-down! Pretty scary stuff but the good news is you are not alone. I feel more alone now than ever!

Many Americans are facing challenges where lives are turning the tables upside down. So, let’s begin with the stress factor in all this chaos. Since the beginning of my journey with Graves’ disease, my stress levels travel in high multitudes. The journey is not easy but hope and faith keep me going. Now, I am feeling grave amounts of entrapment!

I suffer from body tremors and heart palpitations, so I am not able to just get out and spend time with friends and family. Turning to Facebook and Facebook groups is my new therapy. Also talking on the phone helps me to feel love and connection with others. Hearing another individual voice is a wonderful sense of belonging.

My advice about avoiding stress is to reach out to those in your life that you feel a connection with. If you can use facetime, zoom. or skype take advantage of this. Many videos are on Facebook now. Live streaming for churches and events from other services is inspiring people to stay positive.

Families are still able to travel for necessities. The grocery stores are very busy, and some are running out of supplies quickly. Keep your list of needs current while planning and maintaining organization skills. The trip to a store is a chance for fresh air but spreading the virus is very dangerous. Treat your shopping trips as you are a high-risk individual because you are. Confused yet? Wear your mask!

With plenty of time now to prepare healthy meals, if you are not working, it allows you to maintain a good diet. Share your recipes with the family. Reach out to other people for pointers on eating healthy. Maybe you can create some home videos to help the public, like myself, who finds cooking a challenge!

Getting plenty of rest is a definite challenge for me. I don’t know about you, but I am having so many nightmares! It seems like every morning; I wake up disoriented and out of sync. The feeling is annoying but more important agitates my anxiety levels. Maybe drink some sleepy time tea, read a positive book, or watch some positive show on television.

I like to give myself a cut off time during the day. Usually, after six in the evening, I want my brain to go into relax mode. I know this sounds crazy but if my day is set-up and organization is a part of my plans, I accomplish more. Routine is important, and I mention this often. Find what works for you and keep a journal of all your accomplishments!

Confused yet? Now that spring is here, the weather is on the crazy side. In the mountains where I live, wind and rain are stirring the allergies up. When afternoon hits, I find myself needing a nap. I try and find things to occupy my time because of not be able to sleep at night. If you feel you need a nap, then take one. Rest is a way for the body to rejuvenate so try and stay calm.

If you need assistance, dial 2-1-1 for a 24/7 hotline pertaining to Coronavirus, (COVID-19). Help is available through the Federal, State, and Local governments. Communities are coming together in this time of crisis, and we do not want you to feel alone! Also, here is the link to a website for information on the virus. https://www.helplinecenter.org/when-disaster-strikes/

In the meantime stay safe, and remember we are in this together!