Stress Taking a Toll on You?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to our daily lives, leading to stress and anxiety for many. In this article, we will be exploring ways recommended by experts on how to manage stress during the pandemic.

Understanding Stress During the Pandemic:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes that have affected all areas of society. The sudden transition to working from home has increased workloads and added to responsibilities, leading to stress and anxiety for many individuals. Fear of job loss and financial insecurity are also significant stressors for many and it is crucial to understand that stress and anxiety during the pandemic are normal and common experiences.

Tips to Manage Stress During the Pandemic:

Accept your worries and anxiety as being normal:

Likewise it is important to know that you are not different from any other individual. By understanding this, it would allow you to not feel victimized or singled out in your experience.

Shift the focus to the present moment:

In place of worrying about what would potentially happen, attempt to keep pulling yourself back into where you are and what you are doing in the moment. Keep working on one day at a time.

Ask for help:

Being home all day doesn't mean you can or should manage the home life without help.The tendency to take on too many tasks without help becomes a source of stress. If you need help balancing home and work, ask for it from your spouse, partner, relatives, friends and/or children.

Schedule wisely:

Focus on what you can control. Plan ahead and demarcate time to do the different things that you need to. It would help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and allow you to take a problem-solving approach.

Make sure you connect with friends and family:

Use visual mediums and social media platforms to stay more engaged with family and friends. This will help you cope with the isolation you may experience.

Take care of your body:

Practice mindfulness or meditation to help yourself feel relaxed.

Reach out to experts for tele-consultations or use any of the helplines available if you feel you are not able to cope.

Most importantly, remember to be kind and compassionate with yourself and don’t be too harsh in passing judgment about how you are feeling.

Importance of Taking Care of Your Body:

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, sleep, exercise, and social contacts with loved ones. Practicing self-care can help reduce stress levels and promote better mental and physical health.

Reaching Out for Help and Support:

If you feel overwhelmed, it is essential to talk to a health worker or counsellor. Gather information from credible sources to accurately determine your risk and take reasonable precautions. Limit exposure to upsetting media coverage and draw on skills used in the past to manage previous adversities.

Draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous life’s adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak.