Murray counselors said people should create a new routine while under quarantine.
Murray Chamber of Commerce hosted a teleconference with clinical counselors Kenneth Jewell and Adam Currence from Bridges Family Center in Murray. Jewell and Currence gave tips on “caring for self and others during COVID-19.” Jewell said people should adhere to a new routine and get up and get ready like they’re going to “live their life.” He said people should also work on verbalizing gratitude.
“Don’t waste time focusing on things you can’t control,” he said. “Spend your time focusing on what you can control.”
Currence said physical exercise can help people feel and look better. He said it improves sleep, anxiety, self-esteem and stress. He also said journaling can be a good way to express thoughts and fears for those who don’t have access to a counselor.
Jewell said quarantine can serve as a “reset.” He recommended people reevaluate their life and think about the things they “don’t want to get back to.” He said now is a good time to be forward-thinking for those with downtime.
“I think it’s a really good time to be creative,” he said. “I hope our local business owners, especially those with a lot of time on their hands, will use this time to dream...Of course, I tell people all the time with dreams you always need to write them down because you’ll forget them. Then attach goals to those dreams.”
