Coping with stress during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on our lives. Many of us face challenges that can be stressful and overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are needed to minimize the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and increase stress and anxiety. Learning to handle stress and anxiety healthily will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.
Stress can trigger the following:
Feelings such as sadness, frustration, anger, frustration, worry or numbness
Modifications in appetite, energy, desires, and also interests
Difficulty sleeping, concentrating and making decisions
Physical responses, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
Worsening chronic health problems
Worsening of mental health conditions
Raised use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
It is natural to feel stress and anxiety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways to help yourself, others, and your community handle them.
Healthy Ways to Handle Stress and Anxiety
Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day.
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news. It is essential to be informed, but constantly receiving updates about the pandemic can be upsetting.
Take deep breaths, stretch, or practice meditation.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
Exercise frequently.
Get a lot of rest.
Prevent excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
Proceed with routine preventive measures as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Try to do some other activities you take pleasure in.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust and share your feelings with them.
While social distancing procedures exist, try connecting online or by phone or mail.
