COVIf you’re like most people, you are doing your best coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. leading to anxiety and stress. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge.
Signs of Emotional Distress and 6 Ways to Cope
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, especially during COVID-19 but most will exhibit some of the following signs:
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
If you are experiencing significant stress right now, here are some ways you can cope:
1. Limit Media Consumption
Hearing the media constantly spread panic isn’t good for anyone. It’s important to stay rational and do your own research to uncover facts from fiction as well as stay positive.
2. Nurture Your Body and Spirit to Help Anxiety
Be sure to get outside for some fresh air and go for a walk. Eat right and make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Avoid consuming too much alcohol and try and find fun ways to reconnect with your family.
3. Tap into Your Sense of Fun with help Coping with COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety
If you have kids, look to them for some good old-fashioned playtime. Play hide and seek in the house. Create an obstacle course in the back yard. Watch some of your favorite funny movies. Laughter really is the best medicine so get plenty of it! Do something fun to help them cope with the stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.
4. Support Your Local Community
Many local businesses are hurting right now due to COVID-19. If you’re still getting a paycheck, consider buying a gift card from a local restaurant, gym, hair salon, etc. to give them revenue now and you can use the card later. This will make you feel great at the same time.
5. Be a Role Model
Remember, your kids will ALWAYS look to you first to see how they should be thinking and feeling about something. So move about each day calmly and confidently and reassure your kids everything will be okay because it will be.
6. Use Your Time Constructively Coping With Covid-19 Stress and Anxiety
For many of us, there is a silver lining in this situation of COVID-19 in the form of extra time. What can you do with the extra time that isn’t being used to drive an hour or more each day in commuting? Focus on using this time wisely. Maybe you have an ever-growing list of home projects that you just never have time to tackle. Tackle them now, you’ll feel great about it later. Coping with stress and anxiety can be exhausting, so try to fill your free space with productive activities.
If you find yourself becoming too stressed or depressed during this time, reach out. If you’re not quite ready, you can read more about our team, here.
SOURCES:
https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2020/03/covid-19-anxiety
Click to access stress_covid19.pdf
