b'CORONAVIRUS ANXIETYTAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING A PANDEMICBy Stephanie Avery | ContributorJust three months after the Coronavirus (COVID-19) began making headlines, the world is experiencing an emergency that is multi-layered and unprecedented. The pandemic is heavy on the hearts and minds of Americans, and many uncertainties still lie ahead. School districts throughout Texas have shut down indefinitely. Restaurants, theaters, gyms, and community centers have also closed. As self-quarantining becomes the new normal per the CDCsrequest,communitymembersareengaginginsocial distancing like never before.In the midst of all of this change, it is natural to feel increased stress,anxiety,andfear.Butinthewisewordsfoundon Instagram:Conversations will not be canceled.Relationships will not be canceled.Love will not be canceled.Songs will not be canceled.Self-care will not be canceled.Hope will not be cancelednot to mention Netflix and Snapchat. Whilethereareundoubtedlynumerouschallengesinthe weeks and months ahead, there is also an opportunity to take this moment to give attention to well-being. Here are some tips tohelp us focus moreon self-care and less on COVID-19 headlines. BEGIN THE MORNING WITH A WELL-DESERVED REWARDWorking and studying from home has its perks, but over time it can feel difficult to motivate yourself to get out of bed and get the day started. People love to feel a sense of accomplishment, so sinking into the bed or couch day-in and day-out can have negative impacts on feelings of self-worth and mental health. Encourageapositivemorningroutinebystartingoffwith something you enjoy. That could be as simple as enjoying a cup of your favorite hot tea or a bowl of cereal, listening to a fun playlist, stretching, going on a walk, or even playing a fun video game. STAND UP AND TAKE A VICTORY LAP!Many of us use our homes as a place of relaxation after a hard day. Sometimes this means we develop a habit of sitting or lying GoodLifeFamilyMag.comAPRIL 202021 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE'