Managing Stress and Anxiety

This post is part of our Health Centered Digital Edition for Fall 2020. Read the other entries in the series here.

The COVID-19 pandemic, financial burden and so many more events can cause stress, anxiety and depression. At Howard Brown Health, we wanted to provide some examples on how to manage and cope with the ongoing stress. Below, find more information about stress and anxiety around COVID-19 and how people can cope in a healthy way.

Knowing that there is an illness that could affect you and those you love is unavoidably stressful. This resource shares common reactions in these types of situations and gives you tips on things you can do to help manage stress during this time.

Practice effective stress and anxiety management strategies

Limit time spent watching the news and on social media. News reports emphasizing the rapid spread of the illness and the lack of effective treatment will simply fuel anxiety. Spending too much time on social media can have a similar effect.

Focus on other things. Periodically make yourself focus on something else other than COVID-19. Naming what you’re grateful for, as well as books, audiobooks, podcasts, and TV can help with this. Keep this entertainment on the lighter side—try comedies or animated films instead of war epics, thrillers, crime dramas, or “end of the world” stuff.

Exercise if you possibly can, even if this means skipping rope and doing workouts at home. One of the best ways to help your body cope with rising levels of stress chemicals is to use some of them up through vigorous activity.

Practice those disciplines that ground, calm, and nourish you. If you meditate, pray, practice yoga, write, draw, read, cook… continue to do these things if you can. This is a time to do more of those sorts of things, not less.

Get fresh air. Spending time in nature is important to wellbeing. However, please continue to follow local health guidelines and advisories as it relates to distancing yourself from others in outdoor settings.

Connect with loved ones. Receiving support from (and giving support to) others has a powerfully positive effect on our ability to cope with challenges. So, spend time talking and connecting with family and friends.

Reach out for support. Contact your organization’s staff care program, your doctor, or other support professionals.