With the state of current affairs, our individual and collective stress levels are running high.

Social distancing, remote learning, the “Stay Home” initiative sound catchy but bring on anxiety due to the unknown and the disruption of our daily lives.

To reduce stress, we need to feel a healthy level of control over our environment.

Unfortunately, we often default to trying to control our world without much clarity. Awareness is always step number one to managing stress. When we determine precisely the reason something is making us stressed, it is easier to find an area that we have some control over.

Are you stressed over being “stuck at home”? If so you can go for a walk or go for a drive. You can change your wording from being “stuck” to be “safe.” Being “safe at home” feels much better.

Maybe you are stressed because the kids are being schooled at home while you are working from home, and you feel the pressure of trying to be a parent and productive worker.

Set aside a designated place for school for the children and an office for you. You might need to rearrange furniture or rooms (even a closet will do), but remember it is temporary. This way, you can control when you are at work/school, and the boundaries between work and home are less ambiguous.

Perhaps you have the news going all day, trying to catch every tidbit of information about the virus.

Ask yourself what would happen if you weren't the first to know. You can control how much time you spend with the news. Set aside a time of day and a time limit to watching the news, say from 6-7 pm.

Reduce your social media because much information there gets passed around without being verified.

The best place to get the current information regarding the virus and ways to keep healthy is the Centers for Disease Control. The State of Connecticut's Governor's office is the best place to find information regarding mandates, and check your local town's website for updates on local news if you live in Connecticut as I do.

Last, one of the best stress-reducing activities in times like these is to help others.

Look for ways you can volunteer, find ways to support the small local businesses in your community, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

How do you cope with stress? Comment below, if you feel comfortable sharing. Please stay safe, and stay healthy.