The Covid pandemic has made all of our lives more challenging, to say the least. Many of us are facing more stress, more anxiety, or we’re just feeling overwhelmed. Stress is normal even without a global health crisis. Here are some sneaky ways stress may be interfering with your health or peace of mind.

1. When you feel there is no way you can take a break, that is a big indicator that you absolutely need and must take a break right now!

2. When you feel that everything is important and must be done right away, that is an indicator that you need to regain your perspective FIRST before you go running around and get further stressed out (and unproductive).

3. When your head is spinning, trying to find solutions to pressing problems, THAT is a sign that you need to stop trying for a bit and let all those stirred up things settle. Like shaking a snowglobe: you need to stop shaking for the flakes to settle. Similarly, when we’re stressed out and we keep searching for information or keep pondering something, we’re shaking those mind-flakes endlessly and it’s impossible for things to settle and clarify.

4. When you’re putting yourself last in order to get stuff done or please others, THAT is a sign that you are stressed out and need some you-time. If you don’t take a break now, then there will always be someone around with an issue that seemingly needs addressing before you “can” take some time for yourself. When little things that you normally enjoy stop being enjoyable, THAT is a sign to slow down. You build energy through little pleasures. When the little pleasures become little burdens too, it’s a sure sign that you’re overburdened, and working harder isn’t going to help.

5. When you tell yourself that you’ll do something nice for yourself when you have “achieved X” “finished Y” or “addressed C”…and you’re always saying that, then THAT is a sign that you’re stressed and need to put x,y, and z aside and do something nice for yourself right now.

6. When you tell yourself that things will be easier in a few month’s time: your schedule will open up, things won’t be as hectic, you’ll feel better, you’ll start prioritizing…then THAT is a sign that you are stressed. The future fixation is just a way to keep yourself going, and in three months’ time, you’ll be just as stressed and busy as you are right now, unless you do something about it right now!

What are some healthy ways you can cope with stress?

• Take breaks from listening, reading, or watching news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the pandemic constantly can add to your stress. A steady barrage of bad news can do the same. Consider limiting your news intake to just a few times a week or maybe disconnect from your phone, TV, or computer screen for awhile.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths. Try to eat three healthy and well-balanced meals. Try some of our HealthBites Kitchen recipes, especially those that use many colorful fruits and/or vegetables. Exercise regularly. Get at least 8 hours of restful sleep. Many people find by getting to bed between 9 and 10 pm, they can drastically reduce their stress levels. Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or using recreational drugs.
• Relax with inspirational reading. Find more peace by reading the Bible or a devotional book. Focus your mind on the strength you can find through God’s promises.
• Take time to unwind. Try to do some kind of activity that you love every day. Go for a walk, listen to calming music, rediscover a hobby, play a board game with your children.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about the concerns you are facing.
• Connect with a faith-based group. Get together online with people who share your faith. If your church has a Zoom or online prayer group or Bible Study group, join it to foster a sense of family togetherness.