Feeling emotional during coronavirus crisis? Here’s how to keep those feelings in check

My emotions have become more fragile over the past few weeks. A touching story during the evening news brings me to tears.

A well-meaning suggestion from my husband ignites a firestorm of internal conflict that I haven’t felt since 10th grade.

It’s understandable why this is happening. Our new normal is anything but normal, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Our activities have all been paused. We enter the grocery store looking like extras in a bad sci-fi movie.

Meanwhile, we’re told things are going to get worse and to prepare for higher COVID-19 death tolls.

Amid all the upheaval, it’s important that we find some measure of emotional stability.

No one’s expecting all the stress to instantly vanish. Nor are we seeking a state of nirvana. Rather, the goal is to employ various strategies to keep our mental ships stable while navigating stormy seas.

Here are a few suggestions:

Limit the amount of news you consume

The media is rightfully obsessed about the coronavirus. But too much COVID-19 news can quickly overload our circuits.

Yes, we want to be informed. We just need to be selective about the method and quality of the data we process.

For instance, I read The Tribune and the New York Times online in the morning, then listen to the network news for 30 minutes while cooking dinner. That’s enough for me.

I also notice that reading the news is less stressful than hearing or seeing it.

Take emotional breaks

When you need to tune out the pandemic, turn to activities that bring you joy. Perhaps you like gardening, hiking, reading or baking. You may take a bike ride, practice yoga or watch classic movies.

You’ll not only feel rejuvenated. You’ll be boosting your immune system too.

Find support

We’re all in this together. Everyone we meet is as emotionally brittle as we are. That’s why it’s extra important to reach out to friends and loved ones.

Zoom, the video conferencing app, has become my new connection of choice. My family has been using it to celebrate birthdays, conduct meetings and take virtual classes with friends.

Texts and phone calls are great too. And those darling videos of my grandkids mean more with each day of isolation.

Be kind

Since fragility is pervasive, it’s time for kindness to take the baton.

I know that my words and deeds have tremendous impact for those I live with or casually encounter.

I’m not inherently a surly person. But it’s extra important to be patient, understanding and accepting right now.

Avoid kvetching. No one wants to hear it. And stop yourself before saying something rude or demeaning.

If you do make an inevitable faux pax, apologize quickly and do your best to make amends.

Check out

Sometimes, zoning out is the best solution. Daily meditation mutes your brain’s chatter and infuses a lovely state of calm.

Also nice is a hot bath, a good nap or a partner massage. Whatever you do, be well and please stay home.