In this video, Laura Sudano, PhD, a health psychologist at UC San Diego, guides you through a short breathing exercise to help you center yourself.

Here are some other recommendations from the experts.

Put down your smartphone. Take a break from your daily life, away from social media and the news. Give your mind a chance to disconnect. Consider setting specific times or time limits for checking the news each day, so you can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Take care of yourself. Adopt healthy habits as much as possible. Eat balanced meals, exercise, get enough sleep, and avoid bad habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption.

Enjoy your hobbies. Take time to engage in relaxing activities, such as reading a book, cooking a good meal, or doing something creative like painting or knitting.

Check in with your friends and family. Social distancing does not mean social isolation! Reach out to those you care about to share your concerns and feelings and see how you can help.

Take a deep breath to avoid burnout. If you feel overwhelmed, stop and take a deep breath. Take a step back and give yourself space to process your emotions. Consider stretching, yoga, or a short mindfulness exercise to help keep you grounded.

If your stress is interfering with your daily life, contact your doctor for additional care and resources. You can visit UC San Diego Health/Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at:
https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/behavioral-mental-health/Pages/default.aspx

The Center For Mindfulness, the Sanford Institute, and the Compassion Institute at UC San Diego Health are working together to provide daily resources to support mindfulness and compassion. Find their curriculum and resources here:
https://cih.ucsd.edu/mindfulness/free-sessions

For the latest information for UC San Diego Health patients and visitors, visit: https://health.ucsd.edu

Please feel free to connect and share this video with your friends and family if you find it useful.