Selfcare Tips on COVID-19 and more resources

Tips for Keeping yourself safe from Covid 19

1. .Wash hands often
2. .Disinfect surfaces daily that are touched often such as doorknobs, light switches, sink knobs, bathtub knobs, toilet knob, fridge knobs, phones, remotes etc.
   • Products good at disinfecting surfaces: lysol spray, by rubbing alcohol- put in a spray bottle
   •  Bleach- dilute with water
     • A capful or two of bleach mixed with water is good for disinfecting dishes or surface
3. Eat healthy to boost your immune system
   • Vegetables (fresh if possible)
   • Fruits (fresh if possible)
   • Apple Juice and Orange Juice
4. Take daily vitamins from plants
5. Sleep 7-9 hours for adults and teens
   • Younger children need more sleep
6. Create a daily schedule or to do list:
        Create a daily routine
        Shower
        Dress up- may help even if you are not going anywhere. Dress good, feel good!
        Try to wake and sleep at the same time
7. Exercise and stay healthy

Tips from Psychology Experts  

• Create a routine — Change out of your pajamas, shower and make a to-do of all the things you want to achieve each day to create a sense of normality and productivity.
• Break up your day — Find tasks to break up your day and, where possible, change your environment for different activities.
• Take care of your body — Eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and exercise daily. That could include conducting indoor workout classes, stretching and practicing meditation. 
• Help others — If you’re not under strict isolation rules yourself, and you’re in a position to do so, find ways to support those in need by offering to run errands and collect supplies for them.
• Stay connected — Make the most of technology and stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family via phone calls, texts, social media and video conferencing.
• Limit media intake — Stay informed about the situation via reliable sources, but limit your news and social media intake to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Prepare medical supplies — The National Alliance on Mental Illness advises, where necessary, asking your doctor for extended prescription supplies to tide you over for quarantine periods.
• Fight boredom — Make the most of catching up TV series, reading and exploring projects you have been putting off to beat boredom and stay mentally active.
• Avoid burnout — Set strict limits to your work to avoid becoming overwhelmed and make time to unwind.
• Focus on the positives — Amplify good news stories and honor caregivers working tirelessly to resolve the situation.
• Take one day at a time — Try not to project too far into the future. Remember that these are temporary measures and you are not alone.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/20/coronavirus-tips-for-protecting-your-mental-health-during-quarantine.html

More resources:

1. St Louis Community Covid-19 Responders

2. Coronavirus Information & Resources in St Louis

3. Assistance programs 

This document was prepared by  Reana Elder , an intern student from Washing University Brown School.