Safety is a real concern with Covid-19

 How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Recognize the symptoms of stress you may be experiencing.
  • Feeling irritation, anger, or in denial
  • Feeling uncertain, nervous, or anxious
  • Lacking motivation
  • Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or burned out
  • Feeling sad or depressed
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Having trouble concentrating

Know the common work-related factors that can add to stress during a pandemic:

  • Concern about the risk of being exposed to the virus at work
  • Taking care of personal and family needs while working
  • Managing a different workload
  • Lack of access to the tools and equipment needed to perform your job
  • Feelings that you are not contributing enough to work or guilt about not being on the frontline
  • Uncertainty about the future of your workplace and/or employment
  • Learning new communication tools and dealing with technical difficulties
  • Adapting to a different workspace and/or work schedule
Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress.
  • Communicate with your coworkers, supervisors, and employees about job stress while maintaining social distancing (at least 6 feet).

 

    • Identify things that cause stress and work together to identify solutions.

 

    • Talk openly with employers, employees, and unions about how the pandemic is affecting work. Expectations should be communicated clearly by everyone.

 

    • Ask about how to access mental health resources in your workplace.

 

  • Identify those things which you do not have control over and do the best you can with the resources available to you.

 

  • Increase your sense of control by developing a consistent daily routine when possible — ideally, one that is similar to your schedule before the pandemic.

 

 

    • Take breaks from work to stretch, exercise, or check in with your supportive colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends.

 

    • Spend time outdoors, either being physically active or relaxing.

 

    • If you work from home, set a regular time to end your work for the day, if possible.

 

 

    • Do things you enjoy during non-work hours.

 

  • Understanding the risk and sharing accurate information with people you care about can reduce stress and help you make a connection with others.

 

  • Remind yourself that each of us has a crucial role in fighting this pandemic.

 

  • Remind yourself that everyone is in an unusual situation with limited resources.

 

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and mentally exhausting

 

  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns, how you are feeling, or how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting you.
    • Connect with others through phone calls, email, text messages, mailing letters or cards, video chat, and social media.

 

    • Check on others. Helping others improves your sense of control, belonging, and self-esteem. Look for safe ways to offer social support to others, especially if they are showing signs of stress, such as depression and anxiety.

 

  • If you feel you may be misusing alcohol or other drugs (including prescription drugs) as a means of coping, reach out for help.

 

  • If you are being treated for a mental health condition, continue with your treatment, and be aware of any new or worsening symptoms.