We can all agree that 2020 was a rough year. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, and everyone has been affected. In a survey for the American Psychological Association, 8 out of 10 people said the pandemic is a significant source of stress in their life, and 7 out of 10 said they experienced increased stress this past year. The pandemic is still ongoing, and even though case numbers are dropping and vaccines are being distributed, the fear and uncertainty can still be hard on your mental health.
Stress doesn’t just affect your mental health. It also affects your physical health. Increased stress is linked to circulatory issues, including varicose and spider veins. Chronic stress triggers stress hormones which put increased pressure on the vascular system. Over time, this increased pressure can damage blood vessels and lead to vein health issues.
Unfortunately, many ways we like to deal with stress are hard to do during a pandemic. It’s not easy to see family or friends, go on a trip or other activities that help us relieve stress. So what are some ways you can reduce your stress safely? Here are a few suggestions we’ve found.
- Go outside. Spending time outdoors is a safe and easy way to recharge and relax. Go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride, whatever you have to do to feel a little better. Make a concentrated effort to spend more time outdoors to help reduce your stress.
- Seek mental health support. It may be harder to schedule a visit with a doctor or counselor right now, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. There are options for virtual counseling sessions and other socially distanced ways to get the mental health support you need. Now is not the time to neglect your health. Seek help if you need it.
- Exercise. Physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Even if you can’t go to the gym, find ways to stay active at home. Do at-home workouts, buy home exercise equipment, or go for a walk. Get your body moving, and you’ll start to feel better.
- Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep or insomnia can be an indicator of chronic stress. If you are struggling with sleep, seek professional help to fix the problem. Sleep is so important for your overall health. Talk to your doctor about ways you can fix your sleep issues.
We know that right now, life is hard for everyone. The collective stress we are all feeling isn’t easy to deal with, and it’s hard on our bodies. Don’t beat yourself up if you are struggling. Reach out to others for help and seek medical attention if you need it. That can include our clinic.
If your vein health issues have worsened because of increased stress, call us today. The last thing you need to deal with are the symptoms of varicose or spider veins. Let us help you get rid of at least one stress in your life. (205) 710-3800.