Helping others can ease anger, stress

BE KIND IN COVID-19 TIMES

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on people’s lives. Many are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Public health actions, such as masking and social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make people feel isolated and lonely, and can increase stress and anger. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you become more resilient and foster kindness rather than conflict with those around you.

According to health experts, 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

• Worsening of chronic health problems

• Worsening of mental health conditions It is natural to feel stress, anger, anxiety 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 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 times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.

• Take care of your body.

• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.

• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

• Exercise regularly.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco and substance use.

• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

• Connect with your community, or faith-based groups. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Helping Others Cope

Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others and react more kindly to people who are chronically anxious, angry or frustrated.

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 or isolated.