Tips on Coping with Stress During Pandemic Times
By: Gary Moniz
As we continue to be conCoping with Stress cerned for our own safety, and the safety of our loved Older people and people ones during this pandemic, of any age who have seit is important to remember rious underlying health to reduce stress whenever conditions are at higher and however we can. This risk for severe illness from means taking positive steps COVID-19. People who to ensure that we do not may have issues getting carry the added burden of assistance if they become having to deal with stress ill, like those experiencing and all associated with homelessness or people it. While we have all bewith disabilities are also moaned the transition to at increased risk from our collective “new normal’ COVID-19. we can take guidance and inspiration from those who These conditions and have endured so much situations may result in more with grace and Aloha. increased stress during this Queen Lili‘uokalani is a pandemic. Fear and anxiety great example of strength can be overwhelming and and courage during uncause strong emotions. fathomable adversity long before TV, the internet, pay preview Things you can do to support and laptops began to give us yourself: “Liliuokalani was convicted, brief periods a diversion from fined and sentenced to five years our own reality. • Take breaks from in prison at hard labor, which was watching, reading, or later reduced to imprisonment in In 1895, an unsuccessful listening to news stories an upstairs bedroom of the Palace attempt by Hawaiian and social media. for nearly eight months.” royalists to restore Queen Hearing about the Liliuokalani to power resulted in pandemic repeatedly can the Queen’s arrest. She was forced to relinquish be upsetting. all future claims to the throne and was put on trial before a military tribunal in her own throne • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, room. Liliuokalani was convicted, fined and stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balsentenced to five years in prison at hard labor, anced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of which was later reduced to imprisonment in an sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. upstairs bedroom of the Palace for nearly eight months. Queen Liliuokalani continued to love • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other her people, remained productive and moved activities you enjoy. forward during those trying times. • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. COPING continued to page 18 PAGE 17
