There is no denying the fact that we are living in a stressful time. No matter what your feelings are about Covid 19, it is real, it is out there, and it is killing hundreds of thousands of our friends and neighbors.
The worry and fear that are generated can affect us both psychologically and physically.
How Covid 19 Affects Our Mental Health
Social distancing and self-isolation have become necessary as public health measures, but they can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness.
In the US adults have reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with Covid-19.
According to the CDC stress from the pandemic can cause the following mental health problems:
- Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
- Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances.
The important thing to remember is that if you are experiencing any of these mental health concerns you are not alone.
Healthy Ways To Cope With The Stress
- While it is important to stay informed about the virus, focusing too much on it is not healthy. Limit your time watching the news and checking out stories on social media about Covid.
- Don't forget that it is important for you to take care of your body and keep it healthy. Eating right, exercise, and getting plenty of sleep are three things you can do for yourself.
- Take time to relax. You might try meditating or yoga.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Take up new activities you have been wanting to try or revisit some fun activities from the past. Maybe you have always loved to dance but haven't found the time for it lately. There is nothing to stop you from dancing in your living room.
When you take care of your own mental health you are in turn better able to help others who are also feeling stressed.
Books On Stress:
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Great tips. I think the hardest part of all of this pandemic is thoughts of will this ever end. Eating right and getting sleep are my two downfalls. I am working at them but it is hard some days. Love all your tips. Happy Wednesday. Have a great rest of the week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of dancing! Think of the stress if you are a school board member or in school supervisory position. Exhausting as well as stressful.
ReplyDeleteWe never saw this pandemic coming. I think it has been more stressful for other people than for me because I didn't go out much to begin with.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I know so many people who are just so mentally worn out from dealing this pandemic. Some are worse than others, and need professional help. Loneliness and isolation have strange side effects.
ReplyDeleteThis is good advice. It's been harder to keep up with healthy habits. I baked more and couldn't concentrate on crafts but I am getting back into crafting finally. And we are still having to be so careful here. What a long ordeal! Thanks for this series!
ReplyDeleteI feel mentally worn out. It's hard to fight an enemy you can't see and not knowing how long you'll have to fight is tough, too.
ReplyDeleteSlowly and cautiously surfacing. At midnight South Africa moved to level 1. Now ... if we can get vaccinating!
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