Occupational therapy’s goal is to help patients utilize their strengths, maximize their potential, and counteract their limitations to help them meet their goals. As we continue to see rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, our team is here to work with patients recovering from the physical and emotional challenges patients may be facing from the virus. Please read through this article and see below for some COVID-19 related resources that you can share or contact us regarding OT Services for COVID-19 Recovery & Rehab.
COVID Recovery Website Resource
Mindfulness Resources:
Mindfulness is being present and aware of what you’re sensing and feeling, without interpretation or judgment. Mindfulness has been shown to improve mental health, cognition, and sleep quality. Mindfulness helps you pay attention to what is happening, which may enhance your memory, as well. Paying attention to your surroundings and yourself can lead to insights about current stress levels and help you respond with a sense of calm. There are many ways to practice mindfulness. Listed here are some resources to get started.
Guided Meditation Resource – Headspace on Netflix (Requires Netflix Subscription)
Or check out the Headspace website
Stress Management Resources
Self-Compassion Affirmations
Caring for yourself not only makes you feel better, but research shows that self-compassion makes you more likely to care for others, as well. Repeat these affirmations to yourself.
- I accept myself as I am.
- I am enough.
- I am worthy of compassion.
- I allow myself to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes.
- I let go of the old and make room for the new.
- I am resilient.
- I nurture myself with all the kindness I would shower on someone I cherish.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Tighten each body part for 5 seconds. Release for 10 seconds. Repeat for all body parts listed.
- Forehead (raise eyebrows)
- Mouth (smile wide)
- Eyes (squint)
- Head (tilt up)
- Hands (clench fists)
- Arms (flex biceps)
- Shoulders (raise arms)
- Upper back (shoulder blades together)
- Chest (deep breath)
- Stomach (deep breath)
- Low back (arch)
- Buttocks (clench)
- Thighs (press knees together)
- Feet (point toes toward the sky, then ground)
Grounding Techniques to Reduce Anxiety in the Moment
These techniques may help distract you from anxiety and refocus on what’s happening in the present moment.
- Pay attention to what you are touching, smelling, hearing, tasting, and seeing.
- Focus on your breathing.
- Take a short walk.
- Move around.
- Do math problems or count backward from 100.
- Recite something you know by heart.
- Describe what’s around you.
- Picture the face of someone you love.
- Sit with a pet.
- Visualize your favorite place.
- Listen to music.
- Put your hands in water or hold a piece of ice.