The current COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult time that all members of our communities are experiencing. Roles have changed and routines have been turned upside down. People are facing loss of employment, uncertain futures, and, of course, potential infection of a deadly virus. This is an unprecedented time and one for which we don’t have a step-by-step playbook. Now more than ever, it is imperative for everyone to practice good self-care so that we can protect our mental and physical health.

That’s why psi is providing important tips and resources below that we encourage you to share with your parents and school communities. There are tips for managing stress and anxiety, followed by dozens of helpful links and resources, including a Kids Guide that answers questions children may have about the virus. Thank you for sharing this vital information.

Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety
These practices will help to keep stress and anxiety in check.
Remember to manage your expectations, do your best, and be kind to yourself.

1.  GET A ROUTINE: Having a routine while self-isolating will help to maintain structure and avoid spending too much time thinking about the current situation. If working from home, it will help to avoid working too much, or too little.

2.  LIMIT MEDIA EXPOSURE: Try to limit exposure to social media, especially for updates about COVID-19. Instead, get information from trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control or World Health Organization. Focus more on local news and put a time limit (e.g., 30 minutes, twice a day) on reading about the pandemic. Stay informed about the facts and avoid sensational stories.

3.   MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH: Make sure to do your best to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and get some physical exercise. Being physically healthy will help to manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.

4.   PRACTICE MINDFULNESS: Try some breathing or brief mediation techniques to help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety. See below for more.

5.   STAY CONNECTED: It is really important to stay connected during this time of social distancing and self-isolation. You can do this virtually using free video chat or video conferencing software or making a phone call. Reach out to family and friends and maintain your social support network.

Mental Health Resources:

Let’s Meet This Moment Together
free meditation resources from Calm.

Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
Online toolkit for managing anxiety.

Coronavirus Anxiety – Helpful Expert Tips and Resources
Resource list from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
Tips from the Centers for Disease Control.

Tips and Advice for Parents:

Kids Guide COVID-19
This pdf is a valuable guide geared for children.

COVID19 : Quick tips to support your children in learning at home
Click here for UNESCO tips.

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the COVID-19
Tips from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Tips from the Child Mind Institute.

Free Online Resources for Parents and Students:

San Diego Zoo
Live Cams

Melbourne Zoo
Animal House

Panda Cam at Atlanta Zoo
Panda Cam 

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Live Cams

Collections
Google Museum Tours

Smithsonian Dinosaur Tour
National Museum of Natural History

Louvre Art Museum, Paris
https://www.louvre.fr/en/ visites-en-ligne

Age of Learning, Inc. > Early Learning, Education Technology Leader
Free access to ABCmouse, Adventure Academy, and ReadingIQ.

Amazon Future Engineer Program
Free access

Enabling student access to Creative Cloud during COVID-19 campus closures
Free access to Adobe Creative Cloud through May, 2020.

Full Stem Ahead
Live, online events to help teach students code, build, invent and animate.

Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider for any questions you may have regarding your medical condition and follow your health care provider’s instructions.