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The chronic stress people may be experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with racial trauma and a tumultuous election cycle is having an impact on not just mental health, but physical health too. Symptoms of chronic stress can manifest in poor sleep, teeth grinding, depression, inflammation and more. This article provides information on how stress impacts our functioning along with ways to combat chronic stress. 

There are a variety of meditation and guided self-care apps available, including Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, 10% Happier, and more. There is also an app called Shine that is focused on inclusive self-care tools.

Chronic worry and stress impacts how we respond emotionally. Common ways we sometimes use to manage our emotions, like judging emotions, pushing feelings away, procrastination, food or addictive substances, can ultimately backfire. As we go through this emotional “ultramarathon” of coronavirus this article provides quick, helpful things we can do to reduce our stress levels.  

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/06/well/mind/five-minute-coronavirus-stress-resets.html

The Chronicle of Higher Education offers this thoughtful article that explores how we might adapt to the conditions of crisis. We at the EAP are especially moved by the invitation to self-compassion, normalizing and validating the emotions that might be arising, and the article helps offer a framework for what might be most important in current times —focusing on nourishing ourselves, caring for our family, and connecting with others where we can.

You can read the full article here:

During uncertain and fluid times, the need for strong, calm, trustworthy leadership is more important than ever. Research helps point to several ways that leaders — whether they are managers, deans, supervisors, or professors— can improve their communication skills to maximize trust and minimize stress and anxiety: https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/03/covid-19-leadership

As COVID-19 continues to be a presence in our world, many of us continue to remain safely at home while trying to work. Our EAP counselors developed this handout that offers concrete options for continued supports to help you navigate the stress related to being physically distanced from others.

View the Managing Stress of Social Distancing Guide (PDF)