Written by Megan
During these challenging times, it is important to acknowledge if you are feeling stressed and if so, what is causing it. Finding the root of the problem alone can help us to relax, making it easier to decide what we want to do about it. Should it be Covid-19 related, then what aspects are getting to you the most?
At this time, it may be safe to say that there is a possibility you are feeling some form of grief. This does not always have to be in the way we usually think of grief (although this could be an option), but instead, you may be grieving the normality of how life used to be beforehand. It is a new situation for everyone, and one that may be difficult to comprehend. There is also uncertainty to how things will be once this is over, causing an anticipatory grief. We know things will change, and now we feel that some safety may be lost so not knowing what the future holds can cause tension.
Knowing how to deal with these tensions can be a difficult matter, especially if you have never experienced the feelings before. First and foremost, it is important to mention that turning to unhealthy coping habits such as smoking, drinking, or other substance abuse is unhelpful in the long term, even if they seem to help in the moment. Instead, should you be having anxieties about the things that could go wrong, the goal is to find a balance in the things going on in your head. Repressing the thoughts can lead to a buildup of tension, however letting them take over your mind can also disrupt mindfulness. Maintaining this mindfulness will be discussed in a later blog, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Once finding the balance, this may help you feel more in control of your situation. This builds emotional strength and can help to maintain a positive outlook. Taking control means limiting your news consumption, as this will only make your anxieties grow stronger, and choosing what you set your focuses on. This could be a new hobby such as music, crafts, or personal development for future career plans, helping to keep yourself distracted and ultimately stopping your mind from being consumed by distressing thoughts.
There are also many resources that can help with managing stress, such as Facebook support pages and websites that contain useful information on regaining control. Most of these will also promote exercise! Keeping fit and active is never bad for the mind or body, even if it is just a light walk every couple of days.
Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on how to further manage stress in more depth, focusing on mindfulness, keeping in touch, being physically active, and so on. And as always, we would like to thank the NHS and other front-line workers for all they are doing for us during this time.
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