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).
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- Identify things that cause stress and work together to identify solutions.
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- Talk openly with employers, employees, and unions about how the pandemic is affecting work. Expectations should be communicated clearly by everyone.
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- 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.
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- Keep a regular sleep schedule external icon.
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- Take breaks from work to stretch, exercise, or check in with your supportive colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends.
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- Spend time outdoors, either being physically active or relaxing.
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- If you work from home, set a regular time to end your work for the day, if possible.
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- Practice mindfulness techniques external icon.
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- Do things you enjoy during non-work hours.
- Know the facts about COVID-19. Be informed about how to protect yourself and others.
- 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.
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- 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.
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Know where to go if you need help or more information.
If you feel you or someone in your household may harm themselves or someone else:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon
- Toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- The Online Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon is free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
- National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon
- Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety:
- Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon
- Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Check with your employer for information about possible employee assistance program resources.
If you need to find a treatment or mental health providers in your area:
Mental Health Resources
- CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stress and Coping
- American Psychological Associationexternal icon
- National Alliance on Mental Illnessexternal icon
COVID-19 Resources
- NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic
- CDC COVID-19
- CDCINFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) | TTY: 1-888-232-6348 | Website: cdc.gov/info
- National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon