13 Practical Ways to Cope With Stress Right Now

Written by Krystal Jackson

If you are feeling more anxious, worried, or stressed at this time, remember we are currently living through a pandemic, financial recession, and racial injustice. This is a normal human response. 

There is no perfect way to manage stress but there are tools that can help us cope so that we are not overwhelmed. Everyone handles stress differently and it’s okay if it takes some time for you to feel like yourself again. It is very normal to feel an array of emotions when living with stress. Your body will give you the cues to know when you need to rest, relax, or utilize your coping skills. If you’ve noticed you have felt constantly overwhelmed or find it more difficult to wind down at the end of the day, you may be experiencing stress.

Signs of feeling stressed:

·       Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

·       Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

·       Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

·       Worsening of chronic health problems.

·       Worsening of mental health conditions.

·       Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

A major key to managing stress is to: give yourself compassion, pay attention to what your body is telling you, be present, focus on what is within your control. It is important to acknowledge what you feel and how this time may be more difficult to navigate than you thought. This is not about finding the perfect way to deal with this time but it is about caring for yourself as we live through the pandemic. 

Healthy ways to cope with stress

·       Know what to do if you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19.

·       Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).

·       Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.

·       Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

·       Take care of your body with movement, rest, attending Doctor’s appointments, etc.

·       Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.

·       Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

·       Exercise regularly.

·       Get plenty of sleep.

·       Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.

·       Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

·       Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

·       Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

This list is a great place to start when thinking of the steps to take to manage stress in your life. If you need more support, schedule a call with one of our therapists to see if therapy might be a benefit to you at this time.