It’s no secret that the 2020 coronavirus pandemic has created a much higher level of fear, stress and anxiety for many people. It’s important for our health to learn ways of managing stress and anxiety. Signs of stress may be different from person to person and can include:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Caring for yourself and others can help cope with stress. It can also help make your community stronger. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has provided some tips to managing stress and anxiety.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news. This includes social media. Constantly hearing about the pandemic can be upsetting, especially if there are very little uplifting stories.
- Take care of your body.
- Get up and stretch regularly. Consider meditation which often includes breathing exercises.
- Eat as healthy as you can. Be sure your meals are well-balanced and avoid snacking throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try doing some of the other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. There are many platforms that will allow you to connect via video (Facetime, Zoom, etc.)
Need help? Know someone who does?
If you or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline, or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
Contact our Northwest Michigan care team today for more information about in-home health in Traverse City, MI and the surrounding areas.