Tackle Stress from this Giant Mess—Here’s How

If your life has been upended by the most prolific pandemic in modern history and you remain your happy-go-lucky self, congratulations.

For most of us mere mortals, limited human contact, losing a job, suffering from a cut in business or bombing at parenting 24/7, existing could not be more difficult. Toss in news that the United States fares among the worst in pandemic recovery—which could be longer than anyone envisioned—and divisive communities over this summer’s protests for equality, and you’ve got one big giant mess of stress.

It’s no wonder, we are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. But sometimes when we’re so accustomed to coping, it’s difficult identifying that a problem even exists. Ask yourself these questions to start:

1. Are you at a higher risk?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is a good resource to start. Everyone responds to stress differently but certain situations can impact more profoundly.

2. Do you take time for yourself?

If you’re a caretaker, don’t ignore yourself. If you’re not healthy, you can’t take care of anyone. Self-care, the buzzword of 2020, is overused and maybe even trite, but it still has meaning. Check out these recommendations on self-care during the pandemic.

3. Are you moving?

Notice how we didn’t say, “Are you going to the gym?” While we can’t imagine being near sweaty people working out—especially with evidence that airborne coronavirus is real—you can find scores of apps to help with cardio. Maybe one of these fitness apps will work for you.

4. Are you getting plenty of sleep?

This question is worth repeating because good sleep is as important as good nutrition. Stress can lead to ruminating and interfering with sleep. We relax by taking a teaspoon of Kitchen Toke Hemp Honey. Yes, a shameless plug, but the hemp honey does help people relax—and therefore sleep, according to feedback.

5. Are you eating healthy?

Alright, that’s a question also asked all the time. We’re not trying to insult your intelligence but ‘healthy’ is subjective; our healthy may not be your healthy. But there’s one thing we should agree on: eating fewer processed foods. If you’re paralyzed by information overload, here are some easy to digest tips.

By Laura Yee

Illustration by Daniel Warren Johnson