Soothing Tips for Stress
Nov 21, 2020
Live Well Sioux Falls has the pleasure of working with public health and nursing students, and we are grateful for this article provided by Rachel Hewitt, SDSU Nursing Student.
Stress is a common phenomenon in today’s world, especially with the rise of COVID-19. According to researchers(1), the prevalence of stress specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic has risen 29.6%. Stress is a physiological process that controls how your body responds to various stimuli such as physical tension or emotions of anger, frustration, or nervousness. There are also varying degrees of stress such as acute or chronic.
How does stress affect the body?
Acute stress is described as a short duration of stress, which may actually be beneficial to manage dangerous situations. This type of stress keeps the body and brain alert through the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response. Chronic stress lasts over many weeks, months, or even years - meaning the body has been in that “fight or flight” mode for an extended period - and this can create emotional and physical impacts. Chronic stress has been linked to health problems such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other conditions. Chronic stress has also been associated with the six leading causes of death in the U.S. including: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, suicide, liver cirrhosis, and accidents.
The table below shows some common risk factors that increase the likelihood someone may experience chronic stress, as well as signs and symptoms to watch for. The most important thing is to not let it go thinking stress is "normal." It impacts anyone, anywhere, even here.
Ways to Reduce Stress and Boost Coping Skills
- Relaxation techniques: meditation, deep breathing, yoga, tai-chi, stretching
- Exercise regularly
- Healthy eating
- Allow for adequate rest
- Pursue hobbies and interests
- Seek social support
- Seek treatment
- Focus on time management
- Take breaks from news
- Make time to unwind
- Connect with community or faith-based organizations
If you need someone to talk to or other support resources, visit our Even Here page with a searchable database connecting you to local resources through the Helpline Center. You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help.
Article Resources
- (1) Salari, N., Hosseinian-Far, A., Jalali, R., Vaisi-Raygani, A., Rasoulpoor, S., Mohammadi, M., Rasoulpoor, S., & Khaledi-Paveh, B. (2020). Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Globalization & Health, 16(1), 1–11. https://doi-org.excelsior.sdstate.edu/10.1186/s12992-020-00589-w
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html