Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful and overwhelming. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Researchers from Mental Health America (MHA) hosted a survey for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the responses collected from the 1,119 healthcare workers surveyed indicated that they are:

• Stressed out and stretched too thin: 93% of healthcare workers were experiencing stress, 86% reported experiencing anxiety, 77% reported frustration, 76% reported exhaustion and burnout, and 75% said they were overwhelmed.
• Worried about exposing loved ones: 76% of healthcare workers with children reported that they were worried about exposing their child to COVID-19, nearly half were worried about exposing their spouse or partner, and 47% were worried that they would expose their older adult family members.
• Emotionally & physically exhausted: 82% of healthcare workers said emotional exhaustion was the most common feeling over the previous three months, 70% reported trouble with sleep, 68% reported physical exhaustion, and 63% work-related dread. Additionally, 57% noted changes in appetite, 56% reported physical symptoms like headache or stomachache, 55% were questioning their career path, 52% experienced compassion fatigue, and another 52% reported feeling heightened awareness or attention to being exposed to COVID-19. Nurses reported having a higher exposure to COVID-19 and they were more likely to feel too tired compared to other healthcare workers.
• Not getting enough emotional support: 39% of healthcare workers said that they did not feel like they had adequate emotional support. Nurses were even less likely to have emotional support, 45%.

Stress can show itself in varying ways:
• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Problems sleeping
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, or skin rashes
• Worsening of existing chronic health problems and mental health conditions
• Increased use of alcohol, and drugs
Workplace stress and poor mental health can negatively affect workers through:
• Job performance
• Productivity
• Work engagement and communication
• Physical capability and daily functioning

Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress
Take breaks from the news, including those on social media. Being informed is great, but constant information about the pandemic and other current affairs can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.

Take Care of Your Body
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Eating well also means limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars
• Get enough sleep, seven hours or more is recommended for adults. Going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends, can help you sleep better
• Move more and sit less. Be sure to start slow with exercise if your body is not accustomed
• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Avoid smoking and the use of other tobacco products
• Continue with regular health appointments, testing, and screenings
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy

Make an effort to connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. You spend all day taking care of patients, be sure to also take care of yourself.