The coronavirus pandemic is triggering fear and anxiety in many Americans who feel they’ve lost control of their lives. Beth Marnix, a clinical psychologist in Austin, Texas, said that many of us feel helpless, scared and worried because of the uncertainty of the current situation. Zoloft, a popular antidepressant, was as scarce as toilet paper in March, with prescription sales rising 12% to a whopping 4.9 million, according to the New York Post, mirroring the increase in our mental and emotional instability.

But mental health experts say there are steps to take that can help you manage your emotions and feel more in control of your life. Here are some tips:

1. Identify the elements you CAN control. Kathleen Dahlen deVos, a therapist in San Francisco, told HuffPost that asking yourself what actions you can take to deal with a situation can shift your perspective from the flight-or-fight mode to rest-and-digest. Make decisions from a place of calm.
2. Lend a hand. When you take action, especially to help another, you realize that you do have the power to affect change, said experts to HuffPost. Volunteer at a food bank, offer to shop for an elderly neighbor or simply call a friend who is feeling lonely.
3. Establish a routine. You may have to create a “new normal” but deVos said that having a daily routine “allows our brains to go on autopilot which gives them a much-needed break from constantly fielding so much new information.”
4. Stay on top of your health. According to Houston Methodist, staying healthy not only decreases your risk of contracting any illness, including COVID-19, but also helps you reduce stress and anxiety. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising daily, and getting a good night’s sleep form the foundation of good health.
5. Pray or meditate. Set aside time for mindfulness, prayer or meditation every day, said Dr. Marc Bloom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist. Take long deep breaths and focus on the present moment and all that you feel grateful for.
6. Take advantage of your time at home. While social distancing may feel like an imposition, changing your perspective will make it seem less inconvenient. Tackle projects you’ve put on the back burner of your busy life, such as yard work, cleaning out closets or cooking more meals from scratch.