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Ways to Manage Stress during the Coronavirus: Type COVID-19 Outbreak

Stress is always hard on your body and mind, but managing it now during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is more important than ever. Read on for a few calming, stress-relieving tips to help you relax.

April 03, 2020 | HF Healthy Living Team

Stress and anxiety about the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions that you’ve never experienced before. You can’t get rid of all stress, but what can you do to help manage it? We’ve got some tips you can try to feel calmer, quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has helpful tips for coping with coronavirus (COVID-19). Please remember, if you experience any of these physical signs or symptoms of stress, or go through a period of prolonged anxiety, call your doctor.

Click the photos below to learn more about handling your stress right now.

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Get Active—Indoors

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Yes, you can get active indoors. Just take 10 to 30 minutes every day to do something physical or something that makes you happy—and you’ll feel better! Activities will help you to relax and take your mind off of what’s happening outside. If you’re up to it, do a few sets of jumping jacks, or find a quiet space to do some stretches or yoga, or put on your favorite music and dance around a bit. Physical activity helps improve your mood by increasing your body’s endorphins, also called “the happy chemical.” Exercise also helps protect you against illness. Google “10 minute indoor workout,” and you’ll find lots of fun, energetic online workouts!

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Try Deep Breathing

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Here’s something you can try no matter where you are—deep breathing. Go to a quiet place in your house (if you can), or wait until the kids have gone to sleep and you’re alone to do some breathing exercises. Take a seat (on the floor or a comfy spot) and just inhale deeply, as much as your lungs will allow, and then exhale slowly. Repeat this as long as you need to until you find yourself calming down. If you can, try deep breathing every day.

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Think Happy Thoughts

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What makes you happy? Is it your favorite song, TV show, or book? Or maybe you like to get creative—painting, writing, knitting? Whatever makes you smile, give yourself at least 15 to 30 minutes a day to do your favorite activity to help reset your mood and get centered. Put a smile on your face by going through past (and recent) photographs or social media posts (your memories) to relive happy times.

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Talk to a Friend during Social Distancing

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Call (or video chat) your friends, parents, siblings, or coworkers. Right now, most of us are in the same mindset due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19). And lots of people are worried about their families—just like you. Reach out to someone when you’re feeling overwhelmed or down, so that you can talk through your feelings to an understanding ear. Communication can definitely help. Make your connection more memorable by face chatting or video chatting through social media—seeing familiar faces will make you feel better!

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This health information or program is for educational purposes only and not intended to treat, diagnose, or act as a substitute for medical advice from your provider. Consult your healthcare provider and always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Sources
“Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Stress and Coping,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 30, 2020.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

“Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress,” Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Accessed March 30, 2020.
http://www.adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress

“Physical Activity Reduces Stress,” Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Accessed March 30, 2020.
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st

“Four Ways to Deal with Stress,” American Heart Association. Accessed March 30, 2016.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/StressManagement/FourWaystoDealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsp#.VtYF_his7mA