Like many of you, I’ve felt anxious amid the coronavirus pandemic. There are so many parties that I feel for— hourly employees who can’t work from home, medical professionals, high school and college seniors, parents trying to balance working and homeschooling their children, brides and grooms with postponed weddings, and of course the vulnerable populations who are more susceptible to the virus. It’s easy to be consumed by worry in times like these. Of course, this makes it even more important than usual to take care of yourself. There are a handful of things that are helping me cope, and today I’m sharing these practices in the hopes that they’ll help you, too.

1. Journal.

Bottling up feelings can make things seem more overwhelming. For me, getting my thoughts and feelings out of my brain and down on paper makes them more manageable, especially when circumstances are out of my control. When I feel anxious in the moment, I find it comforting just knowing that I’ll be able to use my journal as a release.

2. Go for a walk.

When I caught myself feeling anxious about the world the other morning, I went for a walk and it helped tremendously. If you’re not under a shelter in place order or sick, and feel comfortable doing so, I highly recommend taking a walk around your neighborhood to get some fresh air and clear your mind. If you go for a walk around the same time each day, that will also help you establish a routine and sense of normalcy.

3. Meditate.

Meditation, the act of setting aside a few minutes to let go, breathe, and recharge, can go a long way in improving mental health. I’ve used Headspace, a guided meditation app, for over a year now. No matter what I’m experiencing, be it stress, difficulty falling asleep, or simply taking a break during the day, Headspace has tailored meditations to help. I love combining tip #2 with meditation by doing one of Headspace’s walking meditations. Even better, Headspace is free for teachers, and the company just announced that that it will also be free for U.S. health care professionals through the end of the year.

4. Indulge in an activity that allows you to take your mind off of things.

It’s okay to take a break from watching the news. Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy, ideally an activity that will be a reprieve from the current state of the world. Personally, engrossing myself in an hour of Survivor does the trick. If reality TV isn’t your thing, try painting, curling up with a good book, practicing elaborate hair braids, dancing, or whatever else brings you joy! If going to the gym normally keeps you sane, try at-home workouts (check out Heather’s roundup of fitness studios that are offering free online classes). Or, if there’s a passion project you’ve wanted to start, or always wish you had more time to work on, now’s your opportunity!

5. Express gratitude.

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, we can still practice gratitude. I’m grateful for a job that allows me to work remotely, my family friends that are letting me stay with them in Florida indefinitely, the technology that brings communities together virtually, and the health of my loved ones. What are you thankful for? Write it down. Say it out loud. Tell your people that you love them. If we’re intentional, times like these can remind us of all that we do have.

Know that I’m sending you a *virtual* hug from Florida. I hope these tips help you take care of yourself during this difficult period. If you have other suggestions, by all means, share them below in the comments. Stay safe and healthy!