Pandemics can be stressful
The (COVID-19) pandemic has been stressful for a lot of people. The uncertainty of when it may end only fuels these stresses. Fear and anxiety about this disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children alike. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Here are some tips that may help you cope with stress:
1. Re-balance Work and Home
All work and no play? If you’re spending too much time at the office, intentionally put more dates in your calendar to enjoy time for fun, either alone or with others.
2. Build in Regular Exercise
Moving your body on a regular basis balances the nervous system and increases blood circulation, helping to flush out stress hormones. Even a daily 20-minute walk makes a difference.
3. Eat Well and Limit Alcohol and Stimulants
Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine may temporarily relieve stress but have negative health impacts and can make stress worse in the long run. Well-nourished bodies cope better, so start with a good breakfast, add more organic fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods and sugar, and drink more water.
4. Connect with Supportive People
Talking face to face with another person releases hormones that reduce stress. Lean on those good listeners in your life.
5. Carve out Hobby Time
Do you enjoy gardening, reading, listening to music or some other creative pursuit? Engage in activities that bring you pleasure and joy; research shows that reduces stress by almost half and lowers your heart rate, too.
6. Practice Meditation, Stress Reduction or Yoga
Relaxation techniques activate a state of restfulness that counterbalances your body’s fight-or-flight hormones. Consider taking a mindfulness-based stress reduction course to learn effective, lasting tools.
7. Sleep Enough
If you get less than seven to eight hours of sleep, your body won’t tolerate stress as well as it could. If stress keeps you up at night, address the cause and add extra meditation into your day to make up for the lost zzz’s.
8. Bond with Your Pet
Clinical studies show that spending even a short time with a companion animal can cut anxiety levels almost in half.
9. Take a Vacation
Getting away from it all can reset your stress tolerance by increasing your mental and emotional outlook, which makes you a happier, more productive person upon return. Leave your cellphone and laptop at home!
10. See a Counselor, Coach or Therapist
If negative thoughts overwhelm your ability to make positive changes, it’s time to seek professional help. Make an appointment today—your health and life are worth it.
Give us a call if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. Our non-judgmental staff is here for you and completely confidential.
If you are new to us, we offer walk-in assessments Monday’s and Tuesday’s from 8am-noon.
To find out more, visit us at Columbiawell.org or give us a call at 360-423-0203