Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Handling the storm
The year 2020 has fallen short of our expectations, to say the least. We’ve had to make sacrifices for the greater well-being of our nation, and it’s natural to feel isolated, lonely, and anxious about what’s to come. However, developing a list of coping skills can help us manage our stress throughout the pandemic. Let’s learn about how we can give ourselves a helping hand!
Stress in the Body
Let’s be honest, this year hasn’t exactly been the easy, breezy year that we’ve been hoping for. We’re currently facing a pandemic, next week is a nation-changing election, social injustice all around the world – it’s understandable to feel pretty stressed out. These stressors can even manifest into physical symptoms. Here are some of the physical symptoms of stress you might be experiencing:
- Acne: It doesn’t just happen during puberty! Touching your face more often when you feel stressed can spread bacteria, which can increase acne production.
- Fatigue and Insomnia: Stress may mess with your sleep and lead to insomnia, which leads to less energy throughout the day.
- Sickness: Stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to respiratory infections. Chronic stress may also lead to a weakened immune response in those that receive a flu shot.
- Weight and appetite changes: Stress can lead to either a lack of appetite or frequent appetite, which can lead to weight gain.
Distractions Techniques
Normally, we’re told NOT to let ourselves get distracted, but sometimes losing focus is a good thing! When we permit ourselves to turn off our brains now and then, we allow ourselves the opportunity to practice self-care and give our mental health a boost. However, it’s important to remember to turn your brain back on when it truly matters. Here are some ideas to help you out:
- Have a solo party: Put on your favorite playlist and get moving! You don’t even have to worry about embarrassing yourself since almost everyone is isolating. Want to switch up your regular workout for a dance-themed one? Click here for some ideas!
- Color yourself calm: Coloring can help you calm down by pulling your attention away from the things that are stressing you out! There are plenty of coloring books you can purchase as well as pages you can download and print, but there are also apps you can download as well!
Strength in vulnerability
There is no shame in asking for help if you are struggling with managing your stress. Therapy is a powerful tool that can give you the coping skills you need to deal with difficult situations, as well as provide a space for you to feel comfortable and open enough to discuss what is challenging you. Most therapists are offering online sessions to help provide you professional care, all from the comfort and safety of your home! Click here to find a therapist in your area – you can even sort by insurance!
Election Care Kits
As we approach the election next week, it’s natural to feel a whole lot of emotions that might be interfering with your everyday life. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources available to support you as we navigate through this next week.
- Wisdom Labs – 2020 Election Support Kit
- Headspace – Election Anxiety bundle
- Shine – Election Self-Care Quiz(Note: will need to sign up to view results)
If you know of any other election resources, please feel free to share them with us. More importantly, share them with your loved ones and those around you. Remember, kindness is nonpartisan and universal, and we need to love and care for one another if we are truly united in these times.
Published October 28th, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator at BKPP
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
