Times are very uncertain right now, and with uncertainty comes high stress. Everyone is experiencing stress right now for different reasons, and that is completely understandable and expected. High stress levels can cause us to feel overwhelmed, interfere with our attention and concentration, and rob us of quality sleep. Follow the 5 tips below to help you manage stress during this uncertain time.
1. Trust Information from Reputable Sources Only
CHOOSE 1-2 RELIABLE SOURCES OF INFORMATION
It is important to stay well-informed. It is equally as important to only trust information
from reputable resources. Be mindful of fake news on social media. Choose 1-2
information sources (e.g. CNN, MSN, ABC), and learn information from them only.
2. Avoid Information Overload
LIMIT TIME SPENT RESEARCHING THIS TOPIC
Select reliable information sources, and then limit how much time you spend researching there. Learn new information, and then keep it moving. A good clue that you are experiencing information overload is if you notice symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, racing thoughts, and muscle tension.
3. Manage the Stress Response
RELAX YOUR BODY AND MIND
Uncertainty and concerns about health can activate the stress response in the body. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as muscle tension, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, and poor concentration. Utilize deep relaxation exercises to counteract this response. This includes deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND BOOST IMMUNITY
Focusing on what we cannot control results in high levels of stress. Instead, focus on what you can control. Follow guidelines for hand washing and hygiene, nourish your body with a well balanced diet, get quality sleep, and find outlets for stress relief.
5. Manage Stress Thinking
STOP THE ”WHAT IF” TRAIN
Monitor your thinking for sentences that start with ”what if.” These sentences tend to involve mostly worst-case, hypothetical scenarios that are unlikely to happen. These thoughts create high levels of stress, and they do not help you to prepare or feel better. Instead, follow the tips above to manage stress and stay healthy.
Follow the tips below to manage COVID stress and stay in the driver's seat of your life during this uncertain time. Everything you are experiencing is completely normal, and you're certainly not alone in this. Let's connect if you're looking for more support and guidance to reduce stress at this time.