How To Cope with...Stress

Improve Your Sense of Control and Ability to Endure

• Accept circumstances that cannot be changed and focus on what you can alter.
• Modify your definition of a “good day” to meet the current reality of the situation. Problem-solve and set achievable goals within the new circumstances in your life.
• Evaluate the absolute risk of contracting the virus and recognize the benefits of accepting a certain level of risk in order to maintain as much of your normal routine as possible.

Those who have been faced with life-threatening situations recommended the following strategies:

• Quickly recognize, acknowledge, and accept the reality of the situation.
• Make a plan for dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed or overly distressed.
  Preparation can make you feel more in control if these feelings arise and help you move
  through them quickly.
• Combat unhelpful emotions by using distraction or staying busy---both mentally and
  physically.
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Remain Hopeful

• Avoid impulsive behavior.
• Get organized.
• Increase positive coping behaviors that have worked in the past.
• Shift negative self-statements to statements that allow you to function with less distress. Try changing “this is a terrible time” to “this is a terrible time, but I can get through this.”
• Rather than getting discouraged, focus on what you can accomplish or control.
• Seek out mentoring or information to improve your ability to make decisions and take actions when necessary.

​Try to engage in the situation as a challenge to be met, which can increase your ability to act both creatively and decisively.

• Consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective.
• Look for opportunities to practice being more patient or kind with yourself, or to see the
  situation as an opportunity to learn or build strengths.
• Celebrate successes, find things to be grateful about, and take satisfaction in completing tasks,
  even small ones.
• Give yourself small breaks from the stress of the situation by doing something you enjoy.
• Draw upon your spirituality, those who inspire you, or your personal beliefs and values.