South Florida Medical Community Urges Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Residents to Continue Social Distancing
With the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been pushed to live in a world never experienced before. For the sake of halting the spread of the virus and preserving the safety of their community, the CDC has strongly urged Americans to stay home when possible and limit interaction with others. This degree of social isolation has the ability to negatively affect levels of stress. This effect produced by the implications of social distancing, coupled with the additional stressors that have surfaced in the wake of the pandemic (sick loved ones, struggling finances, etc.), have proven to increase stress levels for many adults. It is important to learn to manage this stress, as chronic stress not only has the ability to put a strain on quality of life, but also have negative health related consequences.
Identify the Triggers that May Be Stress Related
However, there are many easy and effective ways to alleviate stress, even if that stress is COVID-19 related. The first step to getting a handle on stress is both recognizing when it is present, and how it affects you when it is. By noticing your stressors and state of stress you are able to recognize it as an intrusive thought or feeling, allowing you to manage it, rather than letting it manage you. Once you have recognized that stress is present, there are many things you may do to seek relief. One approach is learning to reframe your stress. By reframing stress, you can try to view the related feelings in a different light. Instead of letting stress negatively affect your life or productivity, allow it to motivate you to improve your quality of life. Additionally, you may be interested in practicing mindfulness and mindful breathing. In order to manage stress, it is extremely important to insert mindfulness breaks throughout your day by taking a few deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling, while focusing intently on the air entering and exiting your lungs.
To learn more about medical care and health techniques, schedule a medical visit today at Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates.