Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is the tensing and relaxing of muscles to reduce muscle tension. Our body tenses, often unconsciously, when we are stressed due to the release of the stress hormones epinephrine (AKA adrenaline) and cortisol. When you experience chronic stress, you may also have problems with stomach pain, back pain, neck pain, or other muscle areas.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a wonderful technique that I use with people of all ages to reduce muscle tension, improve mood, and reduce stress.
Video: Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Karla Lagunas
Explaining COVID-19 to young children:
Fighting the Big Virus:Trinka, Sam, and Littletown Work Together (available in English and Spanish)
https://piploproductions.com/trinka-and-sam-virus/
This is a free coloring book developed by Melissa Brymer from the National Center of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to help young children and families talk about their experiences and feelings related to COVID-19 and the need to shelter in place. In the story, the virus has spread to Littletown causing changes in everyone’s lives.
If you are a parent of young children, I recommend that you first read this book on your own and assemble together the pages that you experienced and questions that you want to discuss together. We can also use this in session together to help you assist your child in understanding COVID-19.
Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety:
The Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook (available in English and Spanish)
https://thewellnesssociety.org/free-coronavirus-anxiety-workbook/
This is a great workbook for adults to practice ways to manage their COVID-19 anxiety. From strategies to limit your news intake to ideas of ways to keep busy while sheltering in place, it provides a variety of strategies for you to use at home.