In my last article I discussed some indicators that someone may be nearing or at burnout level. Unfortunately, the situation surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to get complicated. After a failed attempt to reopen the country, many jurisdictions are now returning to Phase 1 status due to increased transmission. The constantly evolving situation, combined with stress over work, income, schools, kids, etc. can weight heavy on folks and lead to depression and in some cases, suicide.
This article is not meant as psychological advice. Rather is a collection of strategies to help reduce the stress level while at home. It's critical that if you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Don't wait. These folks have the resources and capability to help you and your family get through the darkest of times with compassion, dignity.
“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.”– Sally Koch
We WILL get through this
Look back on history and there is one thing that is undeniable: we can get through anything! One key to maintaining a positive outlook is to develop healthy strategies to deal with stress on an ongoing basis. Following are some of my suggestions along with some collected from friends and colleagues. Please share how you manage stress to help others. Together, we can get through this.
Physical Stress Breakers
Exercise - Exercise is the most common form of physical stress relief and there's a very simple reason: endorphins. Endorphins give the body a natural boost and can help clear our mind, exhaust our energy and help us sleep better. Whether you go for a walk, punch a bag, swim or do yoga, the benefits of exercise will be well worth the effort.
Manual Work - Doing something with your hands can engage you both physically and intellectually. Build a table, learn to cook, knit a sweater, go fishing, build a puzzle or play board games with your family. These may seem like very different activities but they all engage both mind and body while, in the case of games, include a social connection.
Intellectual Stress Breakers
Listen to music - As noted by the folks at the University of Nevada, Reno, music has the ability to create a deep effect on our mood and is a great tool for relaxation. Happy music will make you feel more upbeat while soothing music can help relieve stress and decompress at the end of the day.
Read a good book - Rob Whitney, PHD notes in Psychology Today that reading, especially fiction, can help reduce mental anxiety. However, it's not so much what you read, but the fact that reading take your mind to another world and is a form of healthy escape.
Social Stress Breakers
Have a virtual friend/family reunion - I find the term "social distancing" to be inaccurate. Although we must follow physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVD-19, we can and absolutely should engage socially. Virtual meetings are a great way to connect with friends and family, especially those who are far from us.
These are definitely difficult times. Although most will be able to find ways to manage stress and continue to let their smile shine, others may and will struggle and you know what, that's OK. Let's find those small opportunities to serve by keeping an eye out for our friends, family and coworkers who may need a little boost and share some of our strategies for coping.
Comments