Mental Health
Stress and Coping Resources
Many of us face challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditateexternal icon
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Be physically active
- Get plenty of sleep
- Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink in moderation (2 drinks or less in a day for men; 1 drink or less in a day for women)
- Avoid misusing prescription opioids and avoid using illicit opioids. Also avoid mixing these with one another, or with any other drugs.
- Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. People can and do quit smoking for good.
- Continue with routine preventive measures including vaccinations, cancer screenings, and other tests recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about adverse events constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
Getting Help
- Free and confidential crisis resources can also help you or a loved one connect with a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
Helping Others Cope
- Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of stress, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through visits, phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less stressed.