Did you know… provided by the Health and Wellness Ministry
The current outbreak of COVID – 19 can cause stress for some people. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and sometimes fear and anxiety may become overwhelming. Stress is the body’s defense against real or imagined danger. It can be that feeling when you are struggling to cope with the challenges of life, including COVID -19. You may experience changes in sleeping and eating patterns and concentration. Taking care of yourself, your family and friends can help you cope with stress.
The CDC suggests some ways to cope with stress during the COVID – 19 pandemic:
- Taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories,
- Taking care of your body
- Breathing exercises, stretching, meditation
- Eat well-balanced healthy meals
- Exercise regularly, if able
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid alcohol
- Making time to unwind. Try to do activities you enjoy.
- Connecting with others. Talk to people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Tele-conferencing with family and friends to catch up on each other’s lives and activities.
Stress and Children
It is important to remember children react, in part, by what they see in the adults living around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID – 19 stressors calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Watch for behavior changes in your child that could indicate stress. (Go to www.cdc.gov for specific behavior changes in children related to stress)
Some ways to support your children include:
- Talk to them
- Answer questions & share facts in a way they can understand
- Reassure them they are safe.
- Limit exposure to news coverage
- Try to keep up regular routines
- Be a role model
Taking care of yourself, your family and friends can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with stress can also strengthen your community. Taking time for prayer and reflection can provide quiet moments for your body and mind to breath, relax and rejuvenate.
If you or someone you care about are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and these emotions are getting in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row call your healthcare provider to discuss your situation.
For more information:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stressmanagement/in-depth/exercise-and-stress
www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management