The pandemic has had a significant impact on our lives. Many of us faced difficulties that can be stressful and overwhelming. Public health interventions, such as social distancing, became necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, but they made us feel isolated and lonely, as well as increased stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress healthily will make you, your loved ones, and those around you more resilient.
Our new reality presents us with a unique set of challenges. And in the middle of a global pandemic, the need to care for all aspects of our health is critical because, let’s face it, navigating this new normal is difficult. It became a challenge to get our children to participate in online learning, to work more productively from home all day, to share cramped quarters with housemates for much longer hours than we’re used to, or to be cut off (physically, at least) from loved ones.
According to Christine Carter, PhD, a sociologist and senior fellow at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, Self-care became more important now more than ever.
Dr Carter says. “Self-care is not selfish. This is a period of extreme anxiety and stress. Focusing on what nourishes us, on what gives us meaning, is part of easing those feelings and providing us with a more solid foundation.”
How to Cope With Stress in a Healthy Way
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media posts. Consider limiting your news consumption to a couple of times per day and disconnecting from your phone, television, and computer screens for a while.
- Make sleep a priority. Your mood and immune system depend on it. When it comes to taking care of your health and well-being, sleep is almost always a component of the solution. Getting enough good-quality sleep keeps your immune system functioning optimally, allowing it to fight infections like the one caused by the new coronavirus. Sleep is also one of the top ways we can help keep stress in check, according to scientists, because sleep deprivation can make us more sensitive to the effects of stress, speeding up our reactions. Finally, sleep is necessary for the brain to function; without it, you will be less patient and focused.
- Physical activity not only keeps your body healthy (reducing your risk of chronic health concerns and acute illnesses like COVID-19), but it also improves your mood and well-being. Exercise releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals), improves attention and improves sleep. Physical activity also lowers the risk of mood disorders, increases energy, and improves general mood. What a one-two punch against the midafternoon drowsiness!
- When you’re hungry, what foods should you eat? To help you finish your to-do list for the day, keep high-protein snacks available. You’ve probably heard it before: protein keeps you fuller for longer and prevents the energy drop that comes after a carb-heavy snack. Hard-boiled eggs, almonds, Greek yoghurt, peanut butter, and vegetables come to mind.
- According to Jen Sincero, a life coach and author of You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, the “self” component of self-care encompasses how you perceive yourself and, more crucially, the language you use when talking to yourself. Whether it’s a work assignment, finding time for exercise, or preserving your patience when disciplining your child, appreciate the tiny chores you do throughout the day and remember to tell yourself “good job.” Positive self-talk can help you celebrate your everyday accomplishments. Your brain will drink up all of that self-care goodness, and studies show that it may start to shift your thoughts and feelings in a more positive way.
Yes, the world we live in has changed drastically. It’s okay to have anxiousness; accept your concerns and worries! It’s crucial not to compare your stress levels to others around you at this time. Make careful to be gentle to yourself since we all face various challenges and levels of resilience. By following some of the measures listed above, you can not only survive but flourish in it!
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