Stress management - It 's OK not to be ok...
In every crisis, in the face of a threatening event, as humans, we develop defenses and different behaviors. But at the same time we are afraid, anxious and experience a shock, until we adapt to the new data ... and this is logical, it is expected…
A new lockdown , the constant information from social networks and not only about the number of covid cases, the fear for tomorrow and the insecurity about how the situation will develop are just some of the factors that trigger stressful thoughts and emotions such as anxiety, panic, uncertainty, guilt, loss of control but at the same time anger, reaction, denial, reduced compliance .
What behaviors should be of concern to us if we see them in our loved ones or in ourselves and how can we practically help ourselves to cope with the stress and pressure of the day?
- Intense phobias that make us dysfunctional and avoidant
- Irritability, anger towards everyone and strong reactions (eg denial or violence)
- Intense concern for our health
- Obsession and consumption of many hours for what worries us (eg cleanliness, constant information about the coronavirus )
- Mood disorders and feelings of grief
- Emotional overeating
- Development of psychosomatic symptoms
- Sleep Disorders
So how can we help ourselves to cope with the pressure?
- A creative occupation that will keep us busy and away from stressful thoughts
- Exercise ... works anxiolytic and helps reduce hormones related to stress and mood disorders
- Careful and quality diet .. the over-consumption of sweet or fatty foods does not help, on the contrary we feel our body more sluggish and without energy ..
- A daily routine ... a specific sleep and time schedule that we wake up to, feelimg that we are in control of the situation and to feel safer in the insecurity of the days ..
- Small goals for the things we want to do every day .
- Communication with our social environment… during stressful situations people feel more vulnerable and alone .
- Reading, music .
- Reduce or manage the hours TV is on, as it often exacerbates stress and uncertainty.
From the mesogeios collaborator Psychologist Eleni Soltaridou