THREAD: Hello @JaneRuth_Aceng & @DianaAtwine; You and your team are making an unusual number of unfamiliar and consequential decisions. Stress is normal & unavoidable, and it is manageable if you take the time and utilize this short check list for tracking your own stress levels:

• Thinking: Being easily distracted, unable to concentrate
• Emotions:Trouble relaxing, feeling irritable
• Body:Increase or decrease of energy, feeling restless, sweating, headaches, appetite and sleep changes
• Behavior:Blaming others or getting into frequent arguments

The WHO, CDC, and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration) offer the following guidance
for positive coping:
1) Adapt and use coping strategies that have helped you in the past.
2) Create new routines and stick to the parts that work.

3) Prioritize rest and nutrition.
4) Stay in contact with family and friends (online and by phone).
5) Look for opportunities to safely help others/neighbors.
6) Minimize COVID-19-related media exposure. Look for media reports featuring practical steps to take.

Bringing attention to your body& breath is the essential first step for calming the physical stress response.Only then can you begin to do the cognitive work of combatting anxious thoughts.Don’t overestimate the danger or underestimate your ability to manage what comes your way.

FOR YOUR TEAMS: It is vital to take care of your mental health at this time—not just for yourself and your family, but also for your
team. You can help support your team in the following ways:
• Listen to and validate their concerns.
• Express confidence in their abilities.

• Increase supports for their mental health needs.
• Minimize uncertainty.
• Model self-care. Via @Harvard / @Bloomberg