{"id":19203,"date":"2020-04-13T13:09:14","date_gmt":"2020-04-13T17:09:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/?p=19203"},"modified":"2024-08-13T15:49:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T19:49:33","slug":"how-to-manage-stress-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/how-to-manage-stress-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Manage Stress During the Coronavirus Outbreak"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this tumultuous and uncertain time, it is no surprise that many are facing higher levels of stress in their daily lives. Stress can present itself in many different ways, including physical manifestations, decreased energy and immunity, disrupted sleep, and mental health issues. When considering today’s biggest contributor for stress, coronavirus tops the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

Award-winning behavior science expert <\/span>Dr. Kristen Lee<\/span><\/a> emphasizes the importance of resilience, the \u201cprocess of positive adaptation within the face of hardship.\u201d As humans, we are already wired for resilience, \u201ccapable of navigating complexity, remaining agile, and demonstrating optimism.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

In a time where routines and habits are shifting, it is important to find effective ways to deal with stress and develop resilience. Maybe, <\/span>the worst of times can bring out the best in us<\/span><\/a>. Start by considering these 4 steps to manage stress during the coronavirus outbreak with tips from top speakers.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Recognize Stress<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The first step to addressing how to cope with stress from the coronavirus outbreak is recognizing that any feelings you are having are valid and normal. The unpredictability of the coronavirus is unprecedented. The world as a whole is going through something we have never experienced before. Psychologists confirm that anxiety and stress is a natural response. Once you recognize stress, you can take more active steps in managing and lessening its harmful effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay Informed, With Boundaries<\/h3>\n

While people deal with anxiety and stress in different ways, constant inundation of news can be overwhelming. Dr. Heidi Hanna<\/a>\u00a0is the CEO of Synergy Brain Fitness, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations. Dr. Hanna, also the bestselling author of \u201cStressaholic\u201d and \u201cThe SHARP Solution,\u201d<\/span>\u00a0warns us to think about how much news and information we are taking in. She recommends developing a \u201chealthy news diet,\u201d in which we consider the quantity and quality of information we consume. She recommends setting healthy boundaries to limit spikes in anxiety due to facing uncertain or uncontrollable threats.<\/span><\/p>\n

The World Health Organization\u2019s (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus <\/span>recommends<\/span><\/a> getting information once or twice a day from reliable sources like the WHO, Center for Disease Control (CDC), and trusted local authorities. Hear more about Dr. Hanna\u2019s <\/span>tips to stay emotionally calm during stay at home orders<\/span><\/a> and the cure for stress in her <\/span>TEDxSDSU talk<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identify the Underlying Cause<\/h3>\n

The coronavirus outbreak has uprooted our daily lives and is affecting people in all different ways. Identify which aspect is causing you the most stress personally. It might be health risks, economic impact, family issues, or mental health. You may be able to find actionable steps to address these concerns. Perhaps you direct your focus on improving your immune system by eating healthier, researching companies hiring during this time. Or, consider reaching out for professional help with therapy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Working to address the biggest cause of stress in your life may also help relieve other sources of tension. In recognition of April as Stress Awareness Month, find additional tips for general ways to manage stress from mental health speakers<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practice Self-Compassion<\/h3>\n

Once you are aware of the impact that the current situation may be having on you, practicing self-compassion is essential. It is important not to beat yourself up if you are not being as productive at home, or if you do not feel as though you are doing what you need to be doing. Understanding that this period is a transition and you are being forced to develop new routines, try not to be too hard on yourself. Recognize we are all doing the best we can in a confusing, new way to live.<\/span><\/p>\n

Julie Reisler<\/span><\/a>, life coach, author, and founder of \u201cThe You-est You\u201d movement, helps people redesign their lives from the inside out, with emphasis on self-love and self-compassion. She reminds us the importance of looking inward during this time, and to appreciate what we do have. Check out her podcast episode, <\/span>While At Home Get a PhD in YOU<\/span><\/a>, for some insightful tips on how to practice self-compassion paired with helpful book recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Practice Self-Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the prime ways to cope during this time is setting yourself up with good habits and self-care practices. Whether your goals include being more productive working from home, spending more quality time with family, eating cleaner, or managing uncertainty, self-care can help you be the best version of yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Set a Routine<\/h3>\n

Setting a routine in this new normal can be valuable in providing structure to your days. Even though your life may be taking a different form right now, it is important to replicate the best habits you want to set for yourself. This is important in order to feel like this time is not lost, but rather, propelling you towards your goals. Right now, focusing on what we <\/span>can<\/span><\/i> control is essential. <\/span><\/p>\n

Watch <\/span>Laura Vanderkam<\/span><\/a>\u2019s TED talk on time management below for more tips on how to productively fill your days and listen to her new podcast \u201c<\/span>The New Corner Office with Laura Vanderkam<\/span><\/a>\u201d for daily weekday tips on strategies for thriving in working from home.<\/span><\/p>\n