Stress management during COVID-19

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and this year marks one of the most stressful times in recent history because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are so many things that we cannot control right now, the CDC recommends that taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. 

Here are five ideas suggestions for coping with stress:

1. Take breaks from the news. Watching, reading, or listening to news stories about the pandemic (including social media) can be upsetting.
2. Take care of your body by trying to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Now is a good time to embrace meal-planning, and try to minimize trips to the grocery store. Many stores are offering delivery services. 
3. If you can, try to exercise regularly. You can take a walk around the neighborhood or try an online exercise class.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
5. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Take the time to check in on family members and friends who might be lonely. You might communicate by phone, text, social media, video chat, or even good old-fashioned “snail mail.”

It’s likely we will be feeling the stress of the pandemic well beyond the month of April, but eventually, this time will pass. Together, we will get through this!