TABLE 1.

Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies (and resources) for Managing Social Isolation

Change Your Perspective
Use these three prompts to change your perspective and use helpful self-talk: 1)How can I view the situation from a different perspective? 2)Think of someone optimistic whose opinion you highly value: how would they perceive the situation? 3)Remind yourself: Don't believe everything you think!	Engage in a mindfulness activity or prayer to connect with a sense of our shared humanity and that we are all in this together. Resources: •Headspace app: (including loving-kindness meditation): http://headspace.com •Tara Brach, PhD, Guided Meditation: https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-times-of-pandemic/	Examine the evidence: write down your thought (e.g., no one cares about me) and list the evidence in support of that thought and the evidence that contradicts that thought.

Change Your Body Sensations
Practice noticing and tolerating feelings and body sensations instead of resisting them and pushing them away. Resources: Download the free pdf for “Tolerance for Uncertainty: A COVID-19 Workbook” (Dr. Sachiko Nagasawa): https://www.baypsychology.ca/workshops	Soothe your body and mind: •Create pleasant sensations for your five senses: music, good smells, pet your dog/cat, look at art, sip tea. •Calming activities: progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery exercises.	Change your temperature: •Warm-up: take a warm bath, hold warm towels (right out of the dryer), or sip warm tea. •Cool down: splash your face with cold water or hold a cold pack (or ice cube).

Change Your Body Sensations
Change your actions—new ways to connect
Help others: write emails or letters and take care of pets. Resources: •AARP's Connect2Affect website offers additional ideas and resources for connecting during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://connect2affect.org/coronavirus/ •GeroCentral is a clearinghouse of resources for clinicians and older adults and families that includes links to virtual activities: https://gerocentral.org/clinical-toolbox/covid-19-resources/	Connect with people in safe ways: provide (or receive) phone/video calls and remind yourself of good memories (e.g., photographs); call warm-lines for support. Resources: •The Institute on Aging's 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line: 1-800-971-0016 •The Society for Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Medicine: See tip sheets for facilities to mitigate the emotional impact of social distancing protocols: https://paltc.org/COVID-19	Do things that remind yourself of your connection with nature, a higher power, or our shared humanity: get fresh air, make art, listen to music, watch birds and look at flowers. Resources: •American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living: See Tips for Keeping Residents Engaged: www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus •Read stories of care and watch video messages of hope for residents and staff, or upload your own message to be shared on social media: www.carenotcovid.com