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Soothing Tips for Stress

Nov 21, 2020

Soothing Tips for Stress

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. 

Risk Factors for Stress

Warning Signs of
Rising Stress Levels 
  

Stress Symptoms

Additional Stress Symptoms Specific to COVID    

  • Children and adolescents

  • Women

  • Ages 21-40

  • Quarantine/Isolated individuals

  • Caretakers

  • Frontline/essentials workers in COVID

  • Mental Health illness

  • Substance use disorder

  • Unemployment

  • Disabilities

  • Minorities

  • Homelessness

  • Shakiness

  • Fatigue and exhaustion

  • Racing heartbeat

  • Sleeping problems

  • Changes in appetite

  • Dizziness

  • Jittery

  • Indigestion

  • Headaches

  • Bowel irregularities

  • Forgetfulness

  • Aches/pain

  • Reduced energy

  • Sexual problems

  • Fatigue

  • Sleep alterations

  • Nausea

  • Weight fluctuations (unintentional)

COVID-19 is considered a pandemic of infectious disease. On top of normal life stressors, the COVID outbreak has led to individuals feeling stress- related symptoms including:

  • Fear or worry

  • Alterations in sleep and eating patterns

  • Sleep problems

  • Inability to concentrate

  • Worsening of chronic health and mental health illnesses

 

Ways to Reduce Stress and Boost Coping Skills

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.

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