I’ve always had the ability to keep a fairly calm demeanor in the face of crisis, and that quality is a blessing for which I’m eternally thankful. I must admit, though, that I’ve been tracking the Coronavirus and am growing more uneasy by the day as it continues to spread, leaving patients and their families in despair and wreaking havoc on the global economy. News updates are becoming increasingly unnerving. Just this morning, I heard a report on South Carolina Public Radio that the U.S. is already facing a shortage of the protective surgical masks needed by healthcare providers treating Coronavirus patients. Meanwhile, although scientists are working day and night to develop a vaccine, it appears that it will be months—possibly years—before any treatment will be widely available.

Though South Carolina has not been impacted to date, all of our bordering states have reported confirmed Coronavirus cases. Realistically, there is no longer a question of “if” the epidemic (pandemic?) will reach our border—there’s only a question of “when” it will happen. But as that reality grows nearer and communal anxiety intensifies, it’s imperative that we take measures to limit our worrying and keep our fears in check; after all, stress weakens the immune system and makes us more vulnerable to viruses.

It’s times like these where I find myself gratefully reaching for that inner calm I mentioned earlier, and I’d like to share a few steps you can take if you’re having trouble curbing your own Coronavirus-induced anxieties:

• Plan Ahead. Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and right now we are all uncertain about how the Coronavirus might disrupt our lives. Being prepared for the possibility of a local outbreak can help us regain a sense of control. So put a contingency plan in place: find out if your employer offers a work-from-home option, consider your options in the event of a school closing, and determine where you can find reliable, local updates in the event of an outbreak.
• Unplug. It’s important to stay informed as the Coronavirus epidemic progresses, but constantly reading headlines and news updates will not prevent its spread and doing so will only fuel your anxiety about the situation. Be mindful of how much time you spend monitoring the virus and find ways to be present in the moment.
• Get Plenty of Zzz’s. Although we still don’t know much about the Coronavirus, research shows that, as a general rule, well-rested bodies are better able to fight off viruses. So by prioritizing sleep, you’re reducing your susceptibility to all viruses.
• Make Healthy Choices. Exercising and sticking to a healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and boost the immune system. So while it’s always in your best interest to eat your veggies and make time for cardio, it’s particularly important in times of risk.
• Wash Up. We know that the Coronavirus is transmitted via respiratory droplets containing the virus. These droplets travel about three feet when someone with the virus sneezes or coughs, so you can become infected by being in their close proximity or touching a surface that’s been contaminated by the droplets. Proper handwashing is the best defense during a viral outbreak—that means washing for 20+ seconds with soap and water or using hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol.

Finally, we should keep in mind that, for most of us, contracting the Coronavirus is not a serious personal threat; it’s the spread of the illness to at-risk patients that causes concern. Indeed, the vast majority of Coronavirus patients thus far have experienced only mild symptoms, and over half have reached full recovery. So I’d say the best thing we can do for ourselves as juncture is to stay calm, stay informed, and stay mindful of the situation.