Mental Health and Self-Care during the Coronavirus CrisisBy Dr. Jennifer Robohm, Clinical Psychologist
While COVID-19 poses a significant threat to our physical health, it also threatens our mental and emotional health. We’re concerned about infection and the health of loved ones. We’re struggling with loss of social connection, daily routines, long-anticipated milestones (e.g., weddings, graduations), and our sense of normalcy. We’re scared about bills, our livelihoods, and our futures. And if we were already feeling socially or financially on the margins, the virus is amplifying our sense of vulnerability.
Given these threats to our mental health, most of us are feeling greater stress and anxiety, and some of us are feeling blue. We may be having a harder time sleeping, focusing, being productive, or feeling emotionally present. We may feel overcome by panic attacks, cravings, or waves of depression or despair. What can we do to take care of ourselves and others during this time of tremendous fear and uncertainty? Read More... |
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
A simple technique that can help you to release tension and discover where you are carrying it in the first place! Follow the slides below.
By Dr. Jennifer Robohm, Clinical Psychologist
Here are a several PMR YouTube links. (There are even a few for kids!) Experiment by trying a number of them, to see what amount of time or which voice(s) you like the best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xp2UzG7UYY (5 and ½ minutes, female voice, for kids!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x3tl81NW3w (6 minutes, male voice, seated)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nZEdqcGVzo (6 and ½ minutes, male voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKyRpW-Yuc (7 minutes, child’s voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNdEb8VeBF4 (8 and ½ minutes, male voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNqYG95j_UQ (9 minutes, female voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihO02wUzgkc (15 minutes, female voice, good animation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86HUcX8ZtAk&t (16 minutes, female voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUQoflmFQpw (20 minutes, male voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6053dnI4Rxg (20 and ½ minutes, female voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZI-4udE_o (30 minutes, female voice)
Caution: if you have any medical issues such as pulled muscles, sore joints, or old injuries, please consult your provider before trying PMR!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xp2UzG7UYY (5 and ½ minutes, female voice, for kids!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x3tl81NW3w (6 minutes, male voice, seated)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nZEdqcGVzo (6 and ½ minutes, male voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKyRpW-Yuc (7 minutes, child’s voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNdEb8VeBF4 (8 and ½ minutes, male voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNqYG95j_UQ (9 minutes, female voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihO02wUzgkc (15 minutes, female voice, good animation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86HUcX8ZtAk&t (16 minutes, female voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUQoflmFQpw (20 minutes, male voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6053dnI4Rxg (20 and ½ minutes, female voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZI-4udE_o (30 minutes, female voice)
Caution: if you have any medical issues such as pulled muscles, sore joints, or old injuries, please consult your provider before trying PMR!