Managing Stress During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Pandemic, stress has become commonplace for many of us. While social distancing is one of the best things that we can do to limit the spread of the virus in our communities, this combined with isolation adds stress to your life. Here are a few tips for managing stress. By doing a few of these simple things to take good care of yourself right now, you can be a better parent, friend, and family member.
Prioritize Eating Healthy
One of the best things you can do to reduce stress in light of the pandemic involves eating as healthy as possible. While eating a variety of healthy foods is always important, it can be extremely easy to fall back on less healthy options when you’re feeling especially stressed or anxious. Try to be mindful about your snacking by portioning out your servings. You should also try to include a vegetable or fruit in every meal. Remember, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about doing whatever you possibly can to nourish your body. You’d be surprised how much eating healthy can reduce stress levels and make you feel much better!
Stay Socially Connected
In what can feel like especially isolating times, it’s really important to try to stay as socially connected as you possibly can. We’ve all learned how to stay connected through digital means. This will help you and your loved ones feel less isolated, reducing stress dramatically. It’s inevitable that we will all feel some ups and downs during the pandemic, but these feelings are much easier to handle when you don’t feel completely isolated. Take every opportunity possible to reach out to those you care about – it’s good for you and for them.
Make Time for Yourself
“Me” time is important for you and every member of your family. When it comes to reducing stress, setting aside time to do something for yourself each and every day is essential. Treat yourself to something that will help make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. You can try doing 30 minutes of yoga, watching a new episode of your favorite TV show, or taking a warm bath. Do whatever it is that helps you unwind. When we’re stressed, this can be something that turns everything around entirely.
Limit Your Time on Social Media and Watching the News
While it is important to stay up to date, watching the news too often can elevate your stress and anxiety levels. At the same time, while scrolling through social media is something many of us do to relax, the constant exposure to everyone’s worries regarding the pandemic can be stressful. Put a limit on how often you spend on social media or watching the news. You’ll definitely feel less stressed!
Maintain a Routine
One of the most helpful things you can do in terms of managing the stress caused by the pandemic centers around maintaining a routine as much as possible. With the kids being out of school and many parents either out of work or working from home, routines have become a thing of the past for most people. A lack of routine in everyday life has been shown to cause more stress. One of the major benefits of keeping a routine is that it can reduce stress levels. Keep a sense of consistency and you’re sure to feel less stressed on a day-to-day basis.
Stay Hydrated
Finally, staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for managing your stress levels. The link between water and stress reduction is well documented. In fact, it has been proven that when you’re dehydrated, your body isn’t running well, which can lead to stress. According to Amanda Carlson, RD, director of performance nutrition at Athletes’ Performance, “Cortisol is one of those stress hormones. Staying in a good hydrated status can keep your stress levels down. When you don’t give your body the fluids it needs, you’re putting stress on it, and it’s going to respond to that.” While drinking plenty of water won’t magically rid you of all of your problems, it will go a long way in helping you stay less stressed.
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