Eat, Pray, Move: Coping Tips from COVID Support VT Counselor

Editor’s Note: We asked the COVID Support VT Counselors for their best self-care tips. Here’s what Cecilia Hayes said. Cecilia answers the “warmline” (2-1-1, option #2) and is the cornerstone of our outreach to Spanish-speaking members of our community. Learn more about Spanish-language services here.

This is part two in our series. See self-care tips from Support Counselor Nate Reit here. And stay tuned for more advice from Support Counselor Alex Karambelas. 

Support Counselor Cecilia’s Go-To Tips 

Practice gratitude and praying

Every night before I put my son to bed, we pray. Each of us comes up with at least three things we are grateful for. I find this helps us to put things into perspective and focus on the positive things we have in our lives rather than life stressors or getting stuck. 

“I like ending our day on a positive note.”

Cecilia Hayes, COVID Support VT Counselor

Make mealtimes mindful

Making dinner together at least once a week and enjoying our meal while limiting all possible distractions allows us to connect and spend quality time together. Having a set meal time when you enjoy time alone or with your loved ones is a joy.

Get out and move

Get outside — whether it is a bike ride, a walk to school or around the block. Incorporating physical activity into your life can help you manage stress and feel better.

More Coping Tips at COVIDSupportVT.org 

Learn more about Cecilia and COVID Support VT’s Spanish-language services here.

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Need to talk? 

Call 2-1-1 (option #2) or 866-652-4636 (option #2) for free, confidential, one-on-one counseling. Our Support Counselors are available Monday – Friday. 

In crisis? 

If you or someone you care for is experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you can: call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-825; text VT to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7; connect with your local community mental health agency for 24/7 support. 

Find help and tips

Find resources and tools for coping with stress at www.COVIDSupportVT.org. Follow COVID Support VT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. And, to stay up-to-date, sign up for our newsletter and blog.

Learn about upcoming Wellness Workshops from COVID Support VT, and Town Halls we’re hosting in partnership with community organizations.

One-click translation to 100 languages of most everything on the COVIDSupportVT.org website, plus Multilingual Resources & downloadable materials in 10 languages common to Vermont’s New American immigrant and refugee communities. 

COVID Support VT is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency, managed by Vermont’s Departments of Emergency Management and Mental Health, and administered by Vermont Care Partners, a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability services and supports.