Today is the final portion of questions and answers about maintaining psychological health during the coronavirus pandemic. You can read the previous two parts here: https://www.b17.ru/article/281244/https://www .b17.ru/article/281512/ You can watch the full recording of the live broadcast in English with Laurie Santos, professor of psychology at Yale University, here: FB_LINK How to remain positive and satisfied with life when there is so much stress and uncertainty around? - The advantage of the current situation is that that we all find ourselves in a new situation, we are all looking for new ways to be happy. Psychological research suggests that we can take great advantage of new situations—namely, by creating new, healthy habits. We can start doing things that we haven't even tried before. For example, new traditions, new family evenings, games. Because we are in a new situation, it is much easier to start new habits, as if from scratch. This is a good time to think about what new creative experiences you can have with your family. Maybe you start preparing dinner in a new way, maybe you involve older relatives in using modern communication tools, maybe you do yoga together, etc. - Be creative, invent and try something new with your children , spouse. Try new foods, decorate the table with candles, etc. This wonderful new experience will greatly contribute to improving your overall well-being. How to solve sleep problems? Can't sleep due to anxiety and uncertainty? - Most studies talk about the power of bedtime rituals. Rituals help give a sense of control over things that are not under our control. It is easier for us to fall asleep when we feel that everything is under control. In addition, we can teach our body that after performing rituals before bed, we go to bed and fall asleep. And already during the rituals, the body will tune in to sleep. - The most important and useful thing is to control how much disturbing information I watch and read before going to bed. It is better to avoid negative information altogether a few hours before bedtime. Personally, Laurie Santos has made it a habit for herself to put her phone away after 8 pm and not use it again until bed. - Find another habit that you can use to replace the habit of looking at your phone before bed. If you don’t find a new habit, it’s very difficult to give up an old one. Several of my relatives got sick with coronavirus. And I just think about this all day. How can I take care of them and my peace of mind during this period? - Show yourself as much compassion and understanding as possible. You find yourself in a new, difficult and unfamiliar situation. Be kind to yourself and don't feel guilty if you can't help your loved ones. Research shows that you need to redirect your desire to help to where you can actually help. Help those you can help, do something good for the world. - Help yourself by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. Take time to breathe mindfully. Take a few deep, slow breaths. - To help other people, take care of yourself and your mental well-being. Show yourself care.