The State of California Office of the Surgeon General wrote, “California Surgeon General’s Playbook: The Stress Relief During COVID-19,” that provides a list of tips to healthily relief stress.
None of us were prepared for the world to be put on pause over the virus outbreak. Unfortunately, many of us were affected and remain affected by COVID-19, from school closures to income loss. Many parents had to become teachers for our children while maintaining the household all at the same time.
The result has left many of us stressed out finding a new source of income, staying safe, working from home, or even for being quarantined. Stress harms our body that can result in diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or even depression. We must take care of the wellbeing of ourselves and family in a healthy way to remain calm and healthy in these times.
If you ever find yourself under stress or get anxiety from the world, you are not alone. There are healthy ways to deal with stress, and in the article from the State of California Surgeon General, it highlights an approach called “The Six Stress-Busting Strategies.” It is a list of six stress relief tips that can help you and your family amid the crisis occurring around us.
“The Six Stress-Busting Strategies”
1.Supportive Relationships:
Continue to maintain relationships over the phone or virtually. Do things with your loved ones such as cooking together, play board games, or read together.
2.Exercise Daily:
Get at least 60 minutes of daily exercise, you can break up the 60 by doing 20 minutes yoga, 20 minutes dancing, and 20 minutes hula hooping.
3.Healthy Sleep:
Do relaxing things before bed like read a book, drink warm tea, or color. Try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening to ensure a good night’s sleep.
4.Nutrition:
Continue regular mealtimes to avoid snacking all day. Get the recommended 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Eat foods rich in Omega 3 such as fish and nuts.
5.Mental & Behavior Health Support:
Engage in mental health care and minimize media consumption. Perhaps, schedule a video or phone session with a psychotherapist.
6.Mindfulness, Meditation, Prayer:
Practice mindfulness by meditating, praying, or yoga for 20 minutes twice a day. Get started apps like Headspace and Calm. Mindfulness can help strengthen the brain pathways that actively buffers stress response, which helps you regulate stress easily.
