An 11-Step Emotional Health Checklist During the COVID-19 Crisis

Written by Sharon May, Ph.D. and Alan Hart, MS, MAT | How are you and your family handling the COVID-19 crisis? So many changes and so many emotions! We would like to offer a quick checklist to help you and those around you deal with these challenges in the best way possible.

Here are 11 steps to guide you through what you may be feeling and what to do with your emotions:

1. What is your body experiencing? Maybe your neck is tight, your chest feels heavy or your palms are sweating. Or you’ve lost energy, or are lethargic and tired all the time. Or your fingers nervously tap, or your heart beats faster and your mind races when you try fall asleep.

2. What emotions go along with these bodily sensations? We aren’t always aware that our bodies are ‘feeling’ for us through our physical sensations. We might be ‘worked up,’ ‘nervous’ or ‘fuzzy brained,’ but not sure what emotions we are really feeling. Slow down, maybe the bodily sensations you are experiencing are stress, grief, anger, overwhelmed-ness, anxiety and/or fear.

3. How has your life, work, finances, family and routine been impacted and changed as a result of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders? Like practically everyone, you’ve likely been sent home from work, the kids are home from school, or maybe you are home alone, you’ve lost your church or other support community, and perhaps are receiving a reduced paycheck.