It is natural to feel stressed and overwhelmed today especially given the new climate we live in with Covid-19. There is uncertainty, fear, grief, and worry taking over our mental well-being and affecting our perspectives about ourselves, relationships, and the world.
These emotions can affect the way we conduct ourselves daily, make it challenging to sleep, make decisions, and can lead to causing physical health issues. Learning to cope with these emotions and pressures will help you and the people you love become more resilient. One of the first steps is to talk to someone. It is not easy to talk about one's feelings, especially when the pandemic isolated us from our friends, family, and everyday practices. We start living in our heads which can lead to further isolation. Recognize that there are patterns that can contribute to having you feel more stress. Take breaks from news stories and social media. Stay informed, but limit the amount of negative news that can affect your well-being. Take care of your body by eating well and staying active. For instance, stay away or limit the intake of processed foods, sugars, and alcohol and aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Morning stretches and 20-30 minute daily walks to get your heart pumping will increase the oxygen flow in the body. Exercise also releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function. Mental health does not discriminate, regardless of age, gender, income, social status, race, religion, or background. There is mental health support in your community for you and the people you love. There are private and government-assisted programs that you can reach out to for emotional assistance without feeling shame or embarrassed.