In this brief animation, Dr Russ Harris, author of the international best-seller The Happiness Trap, illustrates how to use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to deal with the Corona crisis and the fear, anxiety and worry that goes with it.

In summary, here are the steps:

Focus on what’s in your control: you can only control what you do here and now

Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings: kindly notice, acknowledge and name whatever feelings are showing up for you right now

Come back into your body: connect with your physical body e.g. slowly press your feet hard into the floor or take 3 slow, deep breaths

Engage in what you’re doing: focus your attention on the activity at hand and connect with your senses. Notice what you can see, hear and smell

Committed action: what can I do right now that improves life for myself, my family and /or my community, no matter how small?

Opening up: make room for difficult feelings and be kind to yourself. Acknowledge these feelings are normal and allow them to be there

Values: committed action should be guided by your core values. What sort of person do I want to be as I live through this crisis? How do I want to treat myself and others?

Identify resources: friends, family and community for social and emotional support, and reliable sources for health information

Disinfect & distance: wash hands regularly and practice physical distancing but remember to stay socially connected.