During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all seem to have become remarkably aware of our stress any time we read the news or step out of our homes. While we spend a lot of energy trying to keep our families well, stress levels and mental wellness are another component of overall well-being that can impact our immunity.
Stress can immediately impact our bodies from blood pressure to heart rate, but prolonged stress can also increase our likelihood of getting sick. As we work to practice social distancing, stress and anxiety are ongoing medical concerns that can be addressed with your doctor.
While we cope with unprecedented stressors during the pandemic, we asked the physicians of Tryon Medical Partners what they do to manage stress in their own lives.
Getting in exercise
Exercise can seem like a stressor in itself if it isn’t part of your regular routine, but there are chemical explanations to support its service as an anxiety reducer. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are eliminated through physical activity, while endorphins are released that make the body feel relaxed and positive.
Exercise can also take the form of functional and fun activities you enjoy doing anyway, like gardening or mowing the lawn. Dr. David Locklear, a family medicine specialist at Tryon Medical Partners Gaston, plays basketball several mornings a week. Even if he can’t get to the gym for a pickup game, he’s at home can working on his jumpshot.
Quality diet & consistent sleep
What you eat plays a large role in how you feel both mentally and physically.
“Simple sugars can make you feel sluggish and tired,” says Dr. Brian Wysong. “A quality diet allows for better mental focus to get work done more efficiently and so you’ll have more energy to tackle the day.”
While how much sleep someone needs varies from person to person, having quality sleep hygiene plays a factor in your mental well-being. That means a consistent routine of sleep, including when you get to bed and when you wake.
“Staying on a good routine is important,” Dr. Wysong says. “This allows for better mental clarity and the ability to handle the bumps in the road more effectively.”
Meditating & unplugging
Meditation brings to mind sitting, legs crossed, in a dimly lit room, but it can take a variety of forms, all with the common goal of calming your mind. There are online resources and apps like Headspace that help provide guided meditations and simple deep breathing exercises can be impactful. Focus on whatever method works for you.
“I enjoy sitting down, taking a break, praying and reading the Bible,” Dr. Wysong says. “It helps me understand I am not in control. I think about others and their struggles and how blessed I truly am. I focus on how I can help others and do for them rather than worrying about all my desires.”
Dr. Derek Reed enjoys woodworking as a way to reduce stress. He and his wife work on projects together as a way to unwind and enjoy quiet time as a couple.
These activities also encourage taking a step away from our devices as leaving laptops, phones and social media behind for a break can be a calming exercise in itself.
Knowing when to ask for help
Stress is natural and, while we can’t control outside forces in our lives, we can control the ways we cope. Utilizing coping mechanisms during these difficult times allows us to take an active part in managing stress. Talking with your doctor is a great way to build your stress relief toolkit and your primary care physician is the best person to start with.
With the key role our mental wellness plays in our overall wellness, utilizing your doctor as a trusted resource, either with a virtual visit or in-person conversation, can make a big impact.