Handling Stress & COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful for adults and children. Coping with stress can make you, your loved ones and the community stronger.
What Does Stress Look Like?
- Fears, anxiety and depression about health, work, finances and school
- Difficulty sleeping, eating and concentrating
- Other health conditions getting worse
- Using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- Concerns about loved ones
Ways to Handle Stress
Keep a positive attitude
Sometimes the way you think about things can make all of the difference. Your attitude can help offset many difficult situations.
Accept that there are events you cannot control
When you know there are times when you have given all that you can to a situation, it allows you to expend energy where it can be more effective.
Take breaks from the news
Continually watching news updates on the pandemic can add to your stress. Pick once or twice a day to take in COVID-19 news, including what’s on social media.
Connect with family and friends
It’s helpful to share feelings and check on others. Use phone, face chat, email and other digital media to reach out when you need to talk and to check on others.
Learn to relax
Make relaxation part of your daily routine. Try deep breathing, muscle relaxation and meditation. Try these techniques.
Be active regularly
A fit body can more easily fight stress. Daily physical activity not only helps your body but it helps calm your mind.
Eat well-balanced meals
Staying on track with healthy eating habits is a great way to manage stress.
Rest and sleep
Sleep is important for your body to recover from stressful events, as well as to heal from illness.
Ask for help
Call a friend, family member or your doctor if you are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression. You don’t have to go through this alone. Here are two of many resources you can find on the internet: Colorado Crisis Services at 844.493.TALK (8255), U.S. National Crisis hotline at 800.273.TALK (8255).
This information has been reviewed and approved by Frederick Wamboldt, MD and Kristen Holm, PhD (April 2020)
| The information on our website is medically reviewed and accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information may have since changed. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance. |
