Stress Management<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCOVID-19 is an unprecedented event. As such, there is no rule book to follow and it is inevitable that stress and anxiety levels rise given the uncertainty and unpredictability of the situation we are facing. However, it is important to remember that not all stress is bad; it depends on our perspective, competencies, and support. Adversity is part of high performance sport, therefore, athletes, coaches, and IST members can use existing skills to manage challenges and the unknown. COVID-related stress management tips include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protective physical and psychological factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Engaging in physical distancing;<\/li>
- Washing hands and wearing a mask and gloves when out in public;<\/li>
- Staying home, especially if sick;<\/li>
- Reducing information by taking breaks from watching or listening to news;<\/li>
- Maintaining a sense of balance by pairing intense information processing with light activities (e.g., watching or reading something amusing, playing a game).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Stress management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Identifying stressors and focusing on the knowledge and skills we have to manage them \u2013 keeping our confidence greater than our fears;<\/li>
- Connecting with others and expressing worries and concerns to feel supported;<\/li>
- Taking care of our body by exercising, eating and sleeping well, and limiting our alcohol intake;<\/li>
- Spending time outdoors to benefit from mother nature\u2019s healing effects;<\/li>
- Doing breathing \/ relaxation exercises;<\/li>
- Having fun and staying stimulated by trying out new activities \/ hobbies;<\/li>
- Naming the emotion we are experiencing (e.g., I feel anxious and overwhelmed) and recognizing it as normal and valid (e.g., just my emotions doing their job in these times of uncertainty);<\/li>
- Accepting the emotion as a normal aspect of our experience (e.g., It\u2019s understandable that I have heightened level of anxiety given the current situation);<\/li>
- Identifying needs by exploring what the emotion is revealing or why it is important (e.g., I want to be safe and need to take necessary precautions).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n