The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our lives, and a lot of us are feeling distressed. Knowing how to handle the stresses imposed upon by the pandemic is imperative. Stress can cause the following:

  • Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
  • Changes in appetite, energy, motivation, and interests
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
  • Headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Worsening of mental health conditions
  • Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

Keep reading to learn about different ways to manage stress.

TAKE BREAKS

It’s important to stay informed, yet constantly receiving input about the pandemic can cause feelings of helplessness and despair. Here are some things you can do to get away:

  • Take breaks from watching, listening to, or paying attention to news reports and social media.
  • Consider restricting yourself to watching or checking the news no more than twice each day.
  • Take breaks to unwind through yoga, music, gardening, or hobbies.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Stress can create havoc on your organs, intestinal tract, and mental state. Make sure to take extra care of your body during stressful times to help reduce the impact stress can have on your body.

  • Take deep breaths or meditate
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
  • Exercise or stretch regularly
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Make time for fun activities

TAKE TIME TO CONNECT

There are lots of ways to connect with others when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed:

  • Connect with loved ones
  • Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations; while social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail
  • Connect with yourself by writing your thoughts and feelings into a private journal

RESOURCES FOR HELP

If you are struggling to cope, there are numerous sources of support you can turn to, including:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for
    Spanish
  • Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
  • Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The changes that can happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways we try to contain the spread of the virus can affect anyone. During times of increased social distancing, people can still maintain social connections and care for their mental health. Coping with stress during a COVID-19 outbreak will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger.

More resources:

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Free Webinar: Two Years In | Living with the COVID-19 Pandemic