Are you feeling anxious and exhausted? Well, you are not alone. Coronavirus cases are increasing across the country. It is normal to feel worried, anxious and exhausted during this challenging time. New data shows that Americans are suffering from unprecedented levels of mental stress. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently shared that most American adults believe that the pandemic is taking a toll on their mental health.
It would appear that we are still in the depths of this very challenging marathon. Now more than ever, it is important to check-in with ourselves and our emotional needs. We can do the best thing to pace ourselves as we enter this next stretch of the pandemic. As the pandemic continues, here are some tips to check in with yourself and nurture your mental health.
Do Things That Make You Happy: It may seem like the world has shut down, and yes, many things have, but there is still a lot of joy to be found. Remember to find the time EVERY day to do something that makes you happy.
Engage in Physical Activity Every Day: Research shows that exercise has an immediate and positive effect on our moods. If you are a seasoned athlete, set a goal and GO FOR IT. If you are not, it doesn’t matter. There are so many ways to get started. Even a little bit of physical activity goes a long way – a 30-minute walk or stretching each day will quickly lift your mood.
Talk to Someone: It can be difficult to handle stress alone, and we shouldn’t have to. Stay connected to family and friends, and remember to offer your support too. If you are having trouble managing stress or staying connected, consider joining an emotional support group for advice and connection.
At Circles, we have special programs that will help you learn tools to manage your stress levels better and navigate this weird world we are now living in a while, finding your balance and peace of mind. Join and be surrounded by support from people like you.
Stay Informed, but Limit Exposure to Social Media: It is essential to stay informed with accurate information from trusted sources. Remember, your risk is unique to you and your family. Making choices that are best for your situation might look different than those of a loved one. That is okay. Understanding the risk to yourself and the people you care about can make daily decisions less stressful. Try to limit exposure to media, especially when children are present, and self-monitor your time on social media if that impacts your level of stress.
Stress is inevitable. It affects everyone, especially during these unprecedented and challenging times. But stress does not have to lead to stress-related disease or adverse health consequences. Remember to check in with yourself and your loved ones daily. Remember there are many tools and resources out there to help keep your stress in