Throughout the pandemic, Best Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has seen nearly a 25% increase in the need for its mental health resources.

Best Care EAP works with employers to provide a variety of services to their workers, such as counseling and wellness coaching. The organization’s increased requests for mental health services are largely due to people’s stress and anxiety increasing with the ramifications of COVID-19, Kelly Ethridge, marketing communications manager at Best Care EAP, said.

“Over the last year and a half, there has been a realization – enlightenment if you will – of the importance of taking care of your mental health,” Ethridge said. “Isolation and COVID-19 restrictions and limitations of interactions in everyday life put strains on all of our ways of coping.”

Best Care EAP has tips to help people navigate life during the pandemic. Check them out below to help find balance and peace during this stressful and uncertain time.

1. Think positive

Focusing on the best parts of a tough situation can help put things in a better, more manageable light. This is known as positive framing, and it can help people build the belief that challenges can be managed.

2. Rely on a support system

Leaning on family and friends for comfort and understanding can increase a sense of well-being and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, which the pandemic has spurred for many.

3. Embrace the return to structure

The return to pre-pandemic routines, such as working in the office or heading to the classroom for a new school year, can feel stressful. Embracing the new normal before the transition occurs can help. Practice getting ready for work or school in the morning before physically returning to establish a normal timeline for the day and to decrease anxiety through routine.

4. Give space

It’s important to recognize that different people will have different comfort levels with pre-pandemic gestures and activities, such as shaking hands or getting together for an in-person happy hour. Being kind and respectful of others’ preferences will help lessen stress and anxiety.

5. Practice self-care

Eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting a good night’s sleep, and taking time to exercise can reduce stress and boost the immune system.

For more articles like this, visit Health and Wellness.