Aside from sweeping off the health systems and safety of people, COVID-19 brings challenges and anxiety. It's completely normal if you are feeling blue or breaking out in cold sweat more than usual. 

Stress is our body's natural response to the uncertainties of the pandemic. It's the fight-or-flight mechanism that prepares us to respond against predators and if we are in danger. In this case, facing the COVID-19 spikes our stress levels. Hence, placing the majority of the population under the strain. 

Some stress is still considered normal and doesn’t immediately fall under depression or anxiety. However, ongoing and severe stress shouldn't be overlooked as it may develop into a mental health condition. Don't hesitate to seek mental help. Checking up on yourself from time to time should also be your main priority.

Here are some effective ways that you might want to try to reduce stress:

1. Manage workload

Without work, it would be difficult to make ends meet. Indeed, it's considered as one of the basic necessities to survive. However, maintaining a feasible work-life routine is vital, too. 

By creating a to-do list of how you'll spend your day allows you to have clear boundaries between your personal life and work. Hence, giving you the satisfaction of having a sense of control amidst doubt. 

2. Read

One of the things that help your mind off your unending worries is to spend time reading. You might have a stack of unopened books, maybe it's high time you explore its pages. Aside from the fact that it distracts you, you might also get something useful out of it. By reading, you allow yourself to wander from the physical world and be transported to something great and beautiful. 

Observe yourself. After doing this activity, you'd be surprised by how therapeutic this benefits you. Haven’t thought of a good book? You might find it here: https://gregory.ph/ 

3. Minimize reading news on COVID-19

It is natural to feel emotionally exhausted and stressed. But, checking updates about the pandemic from time to time makes your stress levels spike. Try to set limits on the news you absorb to yourself. Make a conscious effort to disconnect by turning off notifications from multiple news applications. Set a time to check the news and only trust reliable and credible sources. 

Another way to avoid emotional exhaustion is to look for good news and uplifting stories. Celebrating positive news is worthy still. 

 

4. Delay major life change

Change is oftentimes can add turmoil to your current status. Most especially if it's a major one. Delaying significant events doesn't mean that you don't deserve it. See it from a different perspective and keep in mind that nothing is permanent. All this nightmare will pass soon.

You can opt-in postponement for the meantime and do it when you're on your best time of yourself. This way, you'd be able to enjoy the process and be more prepared to do it.

5. Get Support

Working from home makes you feel more isolated particularly when there are no to minimal social interactions. Learning to reach out to others is crucial in reducing your stress, too. The benefits of socializing lessen anxiety and stress as it is replaced by happy and calm feelings. 

By talking about a shared experience, you'll realize that you aren't alone in this. The exchange of providing and receiving support strengthens the bond of your personal relationship. Resulting in feeling better than staying isolated. 

6. Relax

The fight or flight response of your body stimulates whenever you feel agitated or stressed.  This is to help your body reflex to quickly respond to a possible dangerous instance. Additionally, your immune and digestive system suppress when you are in this state. However, if this continues for a long period, this can have a harmful effect on your health.

The best way to calm your adrenaline rush is to practice controlled breathing. Regulate your oxygen intake to help to slow down your breathing. Experts suggest spending 3 to 5 minutes doing controlled breathing as part of your daily routine. 

7. Be more patient at work

If you are handling people at work, be clear about your goals and expectations to your team. Promote an environment that recognizes the needs and achievements of your staff. As someone with a position, supportive communication greatly helps during these times. 

The communication within your team will be improved and maintaining this between everyone is easier. Be a compassionate and empathetic team worker; because everyone is having a hard time, too. 

8. Seek professional support

If you are feeling unusually overwhelmed and can't manage it, don't hesitate to seek professional support. There are many options available for you. Free or affordable professional counseling is available in our local area. Your mental health matters just as the other aspect of your well-being.