As we’re constantly being reminded these days, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon many mental health challenges, some for individuals who were already struggling and some for those who are struggling for the first time. This means that taking care of ourselves is more important than ever before.⁣ ⁣ We can be affected by stress psychologically and physically. These are some tips from Bell Let’s Talk’s website about recognizing signs of stress: ⁣ - Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones⁣ - Changes in sleep or eating patterns⁣ - Difficulty sleeping or concentrating⁣ - Worsening of chronic health problems⁣ - Increased use of alcohol or drugs⁣ ⁣ Remember that stress affects everyone differently and not everyone shows signs of distress in the same way. ⁣ ⁣ Here are some tips from Bell Let’s Talk’s website about taking care of yourself right now:⁣ - Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting, so take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. When you do listen, choose credible sources of information.⁣ - Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.⁣ - Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling and let those close to you, especially children, share their concerns and accept support.⁣ - Maintain as normal a routine as possible, including engaging in activities you enjoy.⁣ - Focus your energies on what you can control rather than worrying about what you can’t. You can come up with a new hobby, talk to a friend or exercise but you cannot control when a vaccine will become available or when we will go back to business as usual.⁣ ⁣ How have YOU been taking care of yourself during the pandemic? Share in the comments. #BellLetsTalk