Headspace Gives NYers Meditation To Survive Coronavirus Shut Down

NEW YORK, NY — New Yorkers have a new online mental health resource to take advantage of while facing the stresses brought on by the state's deadly coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced during a Monday press briefing.

The governor's office has partnered with California-based online healthcare company Headspace to offer free guided meditations, mindfulness workouts and content geared specifically toward sleep aid and children starting Monday. Headspace has dubbed the partnership "New York State of Mind," and all New Yorkers have to do to access the services is check out the company's website.

Headspace touts that its science-backed guided meditations can reduce stress in a period of 10 days, boost one's ability to empathize through compassion and resilience and reduce one's negative emotions during tough times. The company was founded by former Buddhist monk-turned meditation consultant Andy Puddicombe.

"It’s difficult to even know where to begin to address the extraordinary stress, anxiety and trauma that individuals and communities are experiencing. The stories emerging from New York, the epicenter of the pandemic here in the U.S., are simply heartbreaking," Puddicombe said in a statement. "Now more than ever, it’s essential to look after our physical and mental health, both for our own benefit, and for those around us."

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in NYC, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

Puddicombe will use the platform to share video messages with New Yorkers as the state combats its outbreak of coronavirus, a Headspace spokesperson said.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has often spoke about the need for New Yorkers to preserve good mental health during the coronavirus crisis. On Sunday, Cuomo warned against the dangers of "cabin fever" as New Yorkers are spending an increasing amount of time quarantining at home.

Cuomo announced Monday that the New York "PAUSE" order — an acronym for policies, assure, uniform, safety and everyone — which shuts down schools and other nonessential business is also being extended to April 29, Cuomo said.

This virus has been emotionally taxing for all New Yorkers - we're not built to be isolated for long periods of time without human contact or to see the large numbers of people getting sick around us," Cuomo said in a. "Now more than ever it's critical that New Yorkers stay healthy both physically and mentally, and these resources will help people cope with rising levels of stress and anxiety during this unprecedented public health crisis. On behalf of the New York family, thanks to the Headspace team for their contribution."

Coronavirus In NYC: What's Happened And What You Need To Know