The importance of stress management during Covid-19
Amid the spread of Covid-19, many South Africans are in panic mode. With panic, comes mass amounts of confusion and stress. Affinity Health shares some information and tips for managing stress.
Are you feeling stressed? Take comfort in known that you’re not alone.
Amid the spread of Covid-19 many South Africans are in panic mode. With panic comes mass amounts of confusion and stress. Affinity Health talked about the importance of effective stress management during these challenging and uncertain times.
According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, April is Stress Awareness Month and the perfect time to shine a spotlight on finding healthy ways to cope with stress.
He said simply put, stress is how the body reacts to any demand, threat, or change. A number of conditions, situations, and pressures can cause stress but, because we’re all different, a situation that doesn’t bother you at all might cause someone else a lot of stress and vice versa.
“While stress is part and parcel of life, sometimes you get thrown curveballs you haven’t dealt with before. The Coronavirus pandemic is one such curveball that has caused many South Africans to feel exceptionally stressed and overwhelmed.
“For many, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle. We still don’t know exactly how we’ll be impacted, how long this will last, or how bad things might get.”
When chronic stress is not managed correctly, it can cause health problems. These include:
• Insomnia
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Cardiovascular disease
• Eating disorders
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Increased blood pressure
• Suppressed immune system
• Greater risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Mental health problems
“We can’t always prevent or control stressful triggers, but we can learn ways to cope and better manage stress. Therapy, medication, and other strategies can help. Talk to your health care provider if you feel down or anxious for more than several weeks or if it starts to interfere with your home or work life.”
Meanwhile, here are seven tips for managing stress before it gets to be too much:
• Be kind to yourself: Go easy on yourself if you’re experiencing more depression or anxiety than usual. You’re not alone in your struggles.
• Exercise: Physical activity can help improve your mood.
• Eat right: A healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress, build up your immune system, level your mood, and lower your blood pressure.
• Sleep: Not getting enough shut-eye can also add to your stress level and cause a cycle of stress and sleeplessness. Better sleep habits can help.
• Take a deep breath: Meditation and deep breathing techniques can help your body’s natural ability to relax.
• Look on the bright side: Take control of what you control and exchange negative thoughts for positive ones.
• Talk it out: Talking about your feelings can help, whether you confide in a therapist or a friend or family member.
