Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Feeling nervous, loss of appetite, or having trouble sleeping can be normal reactions to stress.

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way can help make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Here are some healthy ways to deal with stress:

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news, including stories on social media. Consider limiting news and disconnecting from your phone, TV, and computer/tablet screens for a while each day.

• Take care of your body.
• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.

Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling. Continue with routine preventive measures as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Make time to unwind. Try to do some of the other activities that you enjoy. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

• Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor, physician, or pastor.
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
• Connect with family and friends who may live far away via phone, text, video chat, or by mail.