5 Ways to Manage Stress during a Pandemic

Orders Counseling is open and we are available to help you with concerns related to your well-being.  The best way to cope with stress is stress management.  Stress management is aimed at controlling your level of stress for the purpose of improving your functioning.  For example, it helps boost your immune system, provides mental agility, and emotional stability.  

The first step in stress management during a pandemic is learning the facts.  Understanding the facts about Covid-19 and your risks can help you feel less stressed than without the facts.  Learn about the symptoms and your risk factors.

Second, recognize what you can and cannot control.  We cannot control mother-nature but we can control how we adapt to it.  Take control of your downtime.  Turn off the news if it’s making you anxious.  Avoid hot-button topics, and avoid people who stress you out.

Third, Look for the upside.  When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Fourth, reduce stress by engaging in fun and relaxation whenever possible.   With reduced work schedules this affords you more time for family or personal relaxation.  Social distancing allows for a reexamination of what’s important in life and can offer opportunities to reinvest in those things we care about.  For example, call a friend, work in your garden, listen to music, take a walk, or workout at home.

Fifth, adopt a healthy lifestyle.  Get your rest, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.  Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.  Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary.  Masking our stress and avoiding our problems only makes things worse down the road.  Having a clear mind means making good decisions for ourselves and loved ones.  

Life will return to normal. Learn these stress management strategies now so that when things go back to normal you will have the tools and preparation to deal with most of life’s challenges.  

Remember Orders Counseling is here to help.  If you would like more information on how to help yourself or a loved one.  Please contact us at (571) 308-8392.