The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. 

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Sharing how you are feeling with friends and family will help out. This pandemic is stressful for all of us right now so we need to look out for ourselves and for others. Reach out!

Here are a few Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.

Take care of your body.

• Take deep breaths, stretch.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Don’t forget that the Taste of Burlington’s – take out to help out is still running and is a lot of fun. This event supports all our restaurants right now. They help us out during the good times so it will make you feel great to support them now.

If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.