It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress to skyrocket across the globe. Beyond the new uncertainty of our day-to-day lives, decreased social interaction, less out-of-house activity, and the difficulties of working from home are all adding up to massive levels of stress.
However, stress doesn’t just affect your mind. There are plenty of physical manifestations of stress, including fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. Several theories even suggest stress can be a contributing factor of back pain. When your body experiences stress, it releases high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause your muscles to tense, leading, in turn, to back pain.
Get Outside
Spending time in the outdoors has been shown to combat depression, anger, and stress by boosting the production of endorphins and dopamine; it can also reduce cortisol production. For Minnesota especially, we’ve had a remarkably mild winter—take advantage of it! Exercise is another great stress-reliever, so bundle up and take the dog for a walk or have a snowball fight with the kids. If you’re at a public trail or park, be sure to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask to keep yourself and others safe.
Reach Out
The loneliness of the pandemic has led to a rise in mental health problems. As we continue to social distance, it’s easy to fall out of touch with friends and family members, but this sense of isolation isn’t good for anyone. Humans are social creatures, and we need the feeling of relief that comes from talking out our feelings or, at the very least, venting to a friendly face.
Reach out over video and phone calls to loved ones, especially those who live alone. Share your feelings and frustrations and encourage them to do the same.
Reduce Media Consumption
With everything going on in the world, it’s important to stay informed. However, there is such a thing as too much news. Obsessively refreshing and rereading anxiety-inducing headlines isn’t helpful, and it can quickly lead to feelings of hopelessness in other aspects of your life.
Jennifer Hughes, PhD, suggests a strategy for limiting media consumption: “A healthy way to go about it is to schedule when you will consume the news, whether that be every day, every other day, or some other timeframe. Pick the days and times, limiting the length to no more than 30 minutes and stick to that schedule.” Stay informed, but know when to step away for the good of your own mental health.
If you’re struggling with back pain during this pandemic, consider incorporating stress management tools alongside other strategies, like stretching and maintaining good posture. For some people, a chiropractic adjustment can help provide instant relief for back pain. To learn more about your options for chiropractic care, visit Crossroads Chiropractic online.
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