How do we cope with stress during a pandemic? I think most Americans led very stressful lives even before COVID. For some of us, life of career and family was enough, and now we add social distancing and all the anxieties associated with COVID? It can definitely feel isolating and lonely. Let’s tackle this because our mental health affects our physical health leading to weight gain and illness. The more resilient we are, the more joyful life is and healthy weight loss is a side effect.
Side Effects of Stress
According to the CDC, 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
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
How to Cope with Stress
During these crazy times, it’s natural to feel anxious, stressed, etc. Let’s become more aware of our emotions so that we not only cope with stress but thrive. Assess which areas you may want to focus. Create these adjustments so that life feels more balanced.
- Take care of your one and only body. What does that look like for you? Let’s build some habits and routines for coping with stress.
- Eat well; not over eating or under eating. I have clients on both ends of the spectrum.
- Breath, meditate, do yoga. Take time to unwind. What specifically does that look like?
- Move your body. Exercise is important but enjoying it is even more important because then we can sustain the habit. How do you love to move your body?
- Sleep, rest, and relaxation. Are you prioritizing and getting enough sleep? Sleep is how our body heals and our brain takes out garbage.
- Connect with others. We are social creatures who need connection. Connect with those you trust including friends, family, community, and/or other organizations.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news and social media. Be informed but disconnect from screen time. Tech Detox!
- Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
Support is the key to success.
Changing the mind and the body is a lot to change all at once and can feel overwhelming. Humans are hardwired to need support; seek it both personally and professionally. Get a free 30-minute phone consultation. See if this is the right match for you by addressing natural weight loss, cravings, emotional eating, balanced diet, disease prevention, nutrition, and getting to the root cause of what’s keeping you stuck. Demystify all the internet noise and get clarity. See what others are saying on Google and Yelp.
For more articles, read https://happyfoodhealth.com/blog
~ Samantha Hua, Online Nutrition Coach & Holistic Health Coach, San Diego, CA
