Staying productive and calm are challenging in normal times. This past week the country saw a health care crisis kick into a higher gear, deepening our sense of stress. There is no doubt it is very important to take the situation seriously. However, since we do not know for certain how long the COVID-19 threat will affect us, it serves no purpose to burn out early.

Therefore, this week, I bring to you a couple of simple relaxation tips from our friends at WebMD.

1. Meditate

A few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety. “Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress,” says psychologist Robbie Maller Hartman, PhD, a Chicago health and wellness coach.

It’s simple. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Close your eyes. Focus your attention on reciting — out loud or silently — a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Place one hand on your belly to sync the mantra with your breaths. Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds.

2. Breathe Deeply

Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth.

“Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure,” psychologist Judith Tutin, PhD, says. She’s a certified life coach in Rome, GA.

WebMD offers eight more easy tips to reduce stress. I invite you to review the rest of them.

Above all, I wish you all safety and good health in these trying times.