The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.
Stress can cause the following:
- 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
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
- Relapse in those who have previously been clean and sober
It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress
Take breaks: Take time out from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
Take care of your body: Exercise regularly and stay active. While you might not want or be able to visit the gym, take time to work out at home or go for walks or runs.
Breath: When you feel stress building up, take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Be aware of your diet: Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Avoid going for long periods without eating or constantly snacking. Get into a regular schedule of three meals a day. Stress can deplete your appetite but having a routine will help you to maintain your diet; it is particulary important to have enough protein your diet. Protein is the second largest matter in the brain, second only to water, so it is important to nourish your brain with protein rich foods.
Rest: Get plenty of sleep, avoid late nights and try to keep to the same bedtime and wake up time each day.
Maintain your health: Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, check-ups etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Relax: Make time to unwind. Try to continue your hobbies as much as you can. If you are not able to engage in your hobbies due to restrictions, think about taking up something new which you can do at home.
Retreats and Self Care: Check out our restorative retreats here. Retreats are a great way to totally detach and take much needed time out for yourself away from the stresses of everyday life. Our retreats are tailor made around your needs and can incorporate yoga, meditation, adventure activities and exploration of Bali.
Connect with others: Talk with friends and family that you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Avoid isolating and spending a lot of time without any form of social contact.
Connect with your community: If you are a member of a faith-based organization, AA or other community group, try to stay connected. While social distancing measures are in place and group meetings are limited, try connecting online, through social media or by phone.
Helping Others Cope
Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely and/or isolated.
Reach Out for Help
If you are struggling to cope, you don’t need to go through it on your own. Contact us today for a discussion about what steps are available, from online counselling sessions with our professional team through to more intensive residential options here in Bali.
Contact us via our online contact form. Or send up on email to info@thelighthousebali.org.
If you would prefer to phone us or send a What’s App message you can find our contact details here
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