Managing Anxiety & Stress during the Coronavirus

Coping with stress during the Coronavirus

The outbreak of Coronavirus may be more stressful for some people than others. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the virus, so it creates fear and stress throughout communities. Rapid changes in the way we live, paired with uncertainty, can feel overwhelming. It is normal to be stressed, but everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. One thing we know for certain is that stress and fear cause your blood’s glucose levels to rise if you are a Type 2 Diabetic. Fear can also lead to a weaker immune system. So, it is important to take all precautionary measures to ensure you are as calm as possible, while also remaining safe! Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger! If you are dealing with anxiety and diabetes alone, don't. Open up, talk and find your support system! Let's try to keep in mind, life will not be this way forever. It is a difficult time, but it is just a time, and we will get through it together! If you are experiencing any of the following, it is possible that you are feeling stress during the Coronavirus outbreak:

• Chronic conditions worsening
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Changes in eating patterns
• Worrying about your health or the health of loved ones
• Feeling fearful

Taking care of yourself is a priority during this time. If you exercise regularly, follow a strict sleeping and eating schedule, keep it up! These are things that will help make this situation feel like a “manageable reality”. Taking care of your friends and family can also help you cope with your own stress!

What can you do to support yourself?

We all need to look for ways to get all of the information we need, while also entertaining ourselves, feeding ourselves, and trying to balance “normal” life as best as we can from indoors. So, what are some tips for dealing with anxiety and diabetes?

• Connecting with others. Talking to your friends and family about your concerns will help calm your nerves. You have a support system! Always remember, you are never alone. Reach out to friends and loved ones about what you are feeling. There's a chance you are not alone and can get through nerves together!
• Taking care of your body. Stick to the things that are important to you and good for your body. Sleep well, eat well, and try to maintain a level of activity, even indoors. If you were active before, try and it keep it up even if you have to change your routine. If being active is new to you, try it out. It might help you relieve some stress you are feeling! Try it! It’s doable! :)
• Try something new. Have you wanted to start painting? Did you want to make that recipe you keep saving in your folder? Well, we have the time to unwind, so let’s make productive use of it! This can help relieve stress because your mind is keeping busy! Engaging in new activities will help distract you from your nerves and open you up to something positive. Stick to it! Keep at the things that make you happy!
• Do not panic over the news and social media. If you find yourself stressing over the news, take a break for a day and put yourself first!