Due to the pandemic, there’s no denying the tremendous stress you and your family may now be facing. 
You may be in a new role as a work-from-home employee, homeschooling parent or an isolated caregiver. Your children may be suffering in unique ways, removed from their normal routines of school and play and thrust into an altered world.
Experts agree these unprecedented times are triggering anxiety, depression and other unwanted mental health conditions in both adults and children. Problems with sleep, eating and anger are also being reported.
Many online mental health resources are available to help cope with stress in healthy ways without exposing you or your family to COVID-19. Here are some resources worth checking out:
Online Therapy
Internet-based therapy connects you with a mental health professional from the comfort and privacy of your own home. It is often budget-friendly and allows you to select a therapist that specializes in whatever issue you’re dealing with, such as depression. Counseling, specific to children and teens, is also available online.
There are literally hundreds of online therapy options to choose from. BetterHelp and Talkspace are two examples of better-known sites that are transparent about pricing and therapists’ qualifications and contain user reviews.
Online Meditation
Maybe you’re not in need of a therapist but would like some help winding down and relaxing. Many websites aim to help with meditation and mindfulness. Most are available as apps for use while on the go!
Happify.com assigns simple tasks to get you thinking positively, while teaching strategies for handling stress. There’s also calm.com, an app that allows you to pick a meditation goal each time, then calms your mind with relaxing music, nature sounds and beautiful natural scenery. Like online therapy, there are several meditation websites and apps to consider.
Online Exercise
Exercise is a well-documented method to reduce stress, while boosting both mental and physical health. But it can be hard to get motivated, and you may still be wary of returning to the gym during the pandemic.
A solid alternative is online personal training. These platforms run the gamut. Some feature personal trainers and fitness coaches who offer one-on-one online guidance and motivation, working out with you in real time. Others offer a catalogue of pre-recorded classes you can pick from.
If you’re into classes, Centr offers a wide range of classes from soothing yoga to boxing. Help with meal prep is also available. If you like to work out with weights, try Keelo. Keelo offers short strength workouts that can be tailored to your experience level. Again, these are just two options of the many online exercise platforms available.
No matter which path you choose, you can count on Chariton Valley to keep you connected when you need it most.
