What? Me worry? (Coronavirus Edition)

Oh, the Zen-like state of Alfred E. Neuman, the main character seen most months on the cover of Mad Magazine. However, we all cannot be like Alfred. Fear of the unknown scares the calmest of folks. This "novel" (i.e., new) strain of coronavirus is terrifying to most. Every day, Americans are inundated with media coverage on this virus over the television, radio, internet, and phone apps. This virus has caused death in some. Others report that they had little to no symptoms but tested positive for the virus anyway. Allow me to offer some suggestions to help calm your anxiety during this time. 1) Listen to information from the Centers for Disease Control and the head of the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, MD. DO NOT LISTEN to reporters and other non-medical personnel who espouse information regarding the coronavirus! They do not truly know medical and scientific information as the CDC and Dr. Fauci do. 2) Regulate how much media you view over a 24-hour period. Usually, 30 minutes to 1 hour is enough to understand what is occurring in the world without getting bogged down in all the discussion regarding this new virus. 3) Find something enjoyable to do. I LOVE watching stand-up comedians! I have done so since I was in high school, watching the cable show "An Evening At The Improv" on A&E. I continue to practice this method of helping me calm down during stressful times; admittedly, I do not intentionally do so. By now, it comes naturally. Cook more. Exercise more. Read more. Watch more informational videos such as TED or TEDx on YouTube or their respective sites. 4) Put others first! If you are not 60 years of age or older, and you have a healthy immune system--and you do not have heart disease or diabetes (the two primary preexisting conditions I have heard that makes the prognosis not as favorable), then leave some toilet paper/paper towels/etc. Most of us will be inconvenienced or hit financially--which is stressful enough--but will not die from this contagion. Our seniors are at a much higher risk of dying during this time. Call your family more. Tell your friends and family that you love them and appreciate them in your life. (The author and psychiatrist, M. Scott Peck noted that helping others can help improve our mood as well). 5) Practice good sleep hygiene. Google it. Those are healthy ways to improve sleep, which can decrease your anxiety. 6) Consider taking up a spiritual practice. Centering yourself through your faith or spiritual practice has shown to help when coping with stressful situations and events. 7) Decrease ALL caffeine! Sodas. Sweet tea. Coffee. Chocolate. (Yes). Chocolate has caffeine in it as well. Take some or all of the steps mentioned above, and you can decrease your anxiety during this very uncertain and anxious time.