As Stress Awareness Month gets underway, we look at how to deal with stress while self-isolating due to the current coronavirus outbreak.
Each year the month of April marks Stress Awareness Month, the month aims to raise public awareness of the causes of and remedies for stress. We all experience the emotion, but 74% of adults say they have felt so stressed that they are overwhelmed or unable to cope.
During the current coronavirus outbreak you may be experiencing higher levels of stress than usual due to concerns around the virus, extra pressure while working from home or uncertainty around the future.
Finding ways to relieve stress is more important than ever in order to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Activities
Taking time to practice self-care can help you to understand the causes of your stress as well as relieving stress. Self-care could be something simple like taking time to read a book, or it could be something like speaking with a therapist about what is worrying you.
Making time for your hobbies within your routine is a great way to de-stress and take your mind off of things that are worrying you. During the current UK lockdown, creating a schedule for you day can help remove stress if you are not currently working or have to self-isolate.
Exercise
Exercise is know is known to boost mental health and relieve stress, but right now it could seem more difficult to fit exercise into your daily routine without leaving the house.
If you are able to, utilise the opportunity to get outside for exercise once a day while practising social distancing to protect yourself and others.
Last month we looked at the different resources available to help you stay active in your own home.
Opening up
Feeling stressed is normal, but if this is getting in the way of your day-to-day routine or you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to seek help. If you are able to, speak to a family member or friend that you trust and explain how you are feeling and why.
You might not know why you are feeling so stressed at the moment and that is ok.
If you would rather speak to someone anonymously there are services available to help you. The Samaritans operate a free, anonymous helpline available 24/7, dial 116 123 to receive support now.
You can also utilise online resources from mental health charities including Mind, YoungMinds, Heads Together, Rethink Mental Illness and Time to Change.
Have you experienced high levels of stress during the COVID-19 outbreak? Share your experience with our #EnableCommunity over on Twitter and Instagram.