Tips for Coping with Stress
Do not let fear and anxiety overwhelm you.
You might have heard others talk about it or maybe experiencing it yourself. Stress and anxiety can cause strong emotions in both children and adults. Knowing how to handle stress, though, can make a significant difference in your overall health.
The coronavirus has certainly changed America in an unexpected way that will have lasting effects for the foreseeable future. Aside from changes in how we interact with others outside of our household, many individuals have also suffered financially from job loss.
Stress because of the coronavirus can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Many times, you may not even realize it is happening. Common symptoms of stress include fear and worry about your health and that of your loved ones, fear of job loss or the reduction/elimination of services you rely on, constant anxiety/worrying, difficulty sleeping, changes in eating patterns or hunger, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and increase use of alcohol or tobacco.
So, what can you do if you feel that the stresses of life are bringing you down?
Connect with loved ones
While social distancing is still widely recommended, there are still many ways in which you can connect with family and friends. While we live in a digital age, the old-fashioned telephone call is a great way to sit back and enjoy catching up with loved ones. If you are a more visual person, then technology certainly makes connecting easier with video calling. Whether you use a smartphone, tablet, or computer, video calling is an excellent way to connect with others in a more meaningful way.
Take care of your body
Your health is more important than ever. Now is a great time to recommit to a healthy lifestyle. You can accomplish this by sticking to a regular workout schedule and eating healthier, well-balanced meals. Managing to get at least eight hours of sleep each night can also help boost your immune system.
Breaks are essential
Many other situations in life can contribute to your stress. Whether it is work, chores at home, or even social media, knowing when to step away for a minute can be extremely healthy.
Great breaktime activities include reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying some music. These breaks are your time to do what you enjoy, and most importantly, helps you unwind.
Be patient
No matter what, we are all in this together. No matter how cliché that sounds, it is very much the truth. The pandemic affects us all in one way or another. Everyone is still trying to figure out their way through this “new normal.” As we navigate these uncertain times together, practicing a higher level of patience can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety.
Talk with your primary medical provider
If you have been delaying any essential healthcare, you may want to reconsider. As mentioned earlier, now is not the time to put your health on hold.
Whether it is time for your annual wellness exam, immunization schedule, check-ins and status updates on any chronic diseases, or to discuss other ways to manage stress better as it pertains to your health, scheduling time with your medical provider is essential. Do not put this off.
Chronic stress and anxiety can be debilitating with mental and physical ramifications. Knowing the symptoms early on means you have more time to make essential changes in your life before any illnesses can settle in.