Coping With Our New Normal

Coping with our new normal – Valuable Tips for Coping with Stress.
Stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. We are living in an uncertain time where stress is common and can be perceived as uncontrollable. Through all of this, stress management has become important for individuals and families.  People have to make themselves familiar with the effects of stressful situations that they may be experiencing, in order to adequately manage it.

“Normal” Reactions to Abnormal Situations
– Anger
– Guilt
– Helplessness
– Irritability

Negative Effects
– Impaired concentration
– Nightmares
– Worry
– Fatigue, exhaustion< insomnia
– Overprotection

Managing your feelings after major tragedies can be a very challenging and    trying time so it is good to understand that everyone experiences stress differently. It is for this reason that a person should not compare themselves with others around them or to judge other people’s reactions and emotions.

Centerstone wellness lists some valuable tips for coping with stress:
Talk about it. By talking with others about the event, you can relieve stress and realise that others share your experience and feelings.

Spend time with friends and family. They can help you through this tough time, stay in touch by phone if possible. If you have children, encourage them to share their feelings and concerns with you.

Take care of yourself. Get as much rest and exercise as possible.

Take one thing at a time. Getting things back to normal can seem impossible. Break the job up into doable tasks. Complete that task first and then move on to the next one. Completing each task will give you a sense of accomplishment and make things seem less overwhelming.

If you can, help. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose in a situation that feels beyond control.

Avoid drugs and excessive drinking. Drugs and alcohol may seem to help you feel better, but in the long run, they generally create additional problems that compound the stress you’re already feeling.

Ask for help if you need it. If your stress is so strong it gets in the way of your daily life, talk with someone. Don’t try to do it alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

– Penny Wiele /  School Counsellor