Life disturbances such as work changes, home schooling, social distancing, and worry about COVID-19 have added additional stress to the lives of workers.  While workers generally manage some level of stress and change routinely, their responses are determined by a combination of their resilience/vulnerability and the number/size of the stressors or perceived threats they are attempting to handle.  

Here’s 5 tips to help with stress:

1. Take a break – change activities (mentally/physically), get outdoors, take a walk, exercise, breathing exercises/relaxation, listen to music – breaks are a simple evidence way to help offset stress effects.
2. Review work and home activities and re-prioritize –, reduce stress by postponing or changing some routines/projects (or making things easier), the “stress load” workers are facing can be reduced.  
3. Sleep – in addition to helping workers stay healthy, regular sleep patterns help minimize exhaustion associated with stress.
4. Stay connected to corporate values and community – helping workers perception/connection to the fundamental reasons and value and benefits of work can offset cynicism.  Connecting with friends, family, and community online, via email, watch parties, etc. also helps remind us we are connected and share our experiences.  
5. Help people reflect on their accomplishments and the meaning that has for others - feeling effective has a positive impact on reducing the burden of stress.  

For more tips, check out The Importance of Self Care.