Surviving the COVID Grind
We are rolling around to a year since the initial shut down for COVID-19 in Saskatoon. When we initially went to remote-only services, many of our clients thought they would wait a couple of weeks until they could come in person. The return to in-person sessions took much longer than expected. In fact, more than half of our current sessions are by video or phone. Partly because of COVID and partially because remote sessions have turned out to be a convenient way for some clients to access services.
As the pandemic grinds on, the stress is wearing people down. Anxiety and depression are increasing. The struggles of single parents have increased due to being cut off from most everyday social interactions. Then there are casualties of COVID as well as casualties from COVID. People with non-COVID-related illnesses or problems may not be getting the necessary treatments, either because services are less available or because of close-contact isolation. Many are feeling isolated and lonely, at times overwhelmed with stress.
Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways helps increase resilience. Consider the following suggestions for reducing stress.
Try a COVID fast, take a break (at least a week) from watching, reading, or listening to social media, YouTube, the news, or anything else which is hyper-focused on the pandemic. Stop the constant bombardment of COVID-19 updates.
After the COVID fast, consider limiting pandemic news to once or twice a day for a maximum of 20 minutes.
Take care of your body.
Move your body, exercise, go for walks,
Breathe and stretch. Try yoga or meditation.
Eat healthy foods. Limit the junk food in your home.
Sleep when you are tired
Avoid self-medicating with excessive alcohol, tobacco, or substances.
Plan time to unwind. Try to do something just for fun.
Connect. Talk with a trusted someone. Share your feelings and concerns.
Reach out. We may not be able to get together in person, but we can still connect through video chats, social media, text, phone or email.
Help others. Volunteering or helping those in need can help you find a sense of purpose and satisfaction. There are several COVID-friendly volunteer opportunities. Assisting others to cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help both of you feel less isolated or lonely.
Set up counseling support. Sessions with a trained professional can help you find your resilience.
Resources and Social Support Services
Healthy Eating During a Pandemic