Support During COVID-19
How Can I Calm Anxiety?
It is natural to feel anxiety, especially when faced with a sudden change and crisis such as the outbreak of COVID-19. The unknown is already frightening for many, and when one is on the spectrum, many questions and anxiety can arise.
Tips!
Be sure to follow the advice of experts
Listen to experts and how they recommend avoiding the spread of germs. Follow the guidelines for safety and health, and make sure to wash your hands as often as you can.
Label, notice, and accept your emotions
Understand when and where you usually are when you start feelings symptoms of anxiety. Oftentimes, putting a label on how we feel helps to reduce our concern.
Practice breathing
Pause to take a break when feeling overwhelmed. "Belly breathing," or diaphragmatic breathing, is most helpful for many people. Even practicing these techniques for 5-10 minutes each day can be highly effective.
Observe nature
Even during the practicing of self isolation, spending 5 minutes appreciating nature can significantly lower blood pressure and anxiety. It also reminds us that we are part of something that is bigger than ourselves.
Be active
Even though many of us are staying at home, there are still many ways that we can stay active. Exercise is a great way to relieve anxiety, and it also generates hormones that boost the body's immune system. There are many fitness classes available online to take advantage of.
Resources
For Parents!
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-calm.html
https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources
https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources-families
https://www.autismnj.org/article/covid-19-and-autism-in-nj/
https://autism.sesamestreet.org/coping-with-covid/
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
#Mask Up, United!- Make Your Own Face Mask in Thirty Seconds
Making masks is a great way to spend your time while in self isolation, as it is required in many places to wear one if going out for essential trips. Kids and adults alike can take part in this activity and help to Mask Up, United!
Inspired by- YIM KUM on YouTube!
What Will I Need?
- two socks (a matching pair)
-2 sheets of a paper towel
-scissors
(makes 2 masks!)
Steps:
1) Take both of your socks and place them one on top of the other
2) Take your scissors and cut off both ends of the socks (about 1 inch from each side)
3) Take your scissors again and cut a slit into each of the socks, about halfway from the bottom to the top.
4) Fold your paper towel to be the size of your sock.
5) Lay your sock flat in front of you and place the paper towel inside of it, ensuring that it stays flat.
6) Flatten your sock and cut any excess paper towel that might be coming out through the slits on each side.
7) Repeats steps 2-6 again for the other sock.
8) Pick up the sock by the slits on each side and use them to go around each ears while placing your mask on your face.
9) You have made two face masks!