Because many of us deal with high levels of stress almost every day, when a true crisis does arise we can readily feel like it is more than we can cope with. This is why crisis-level stress management deserves more attention than dealing with everyday stress.

The first thing to remember is that you can’t do a good job of helping and supporting others if you are not sufficiently strong mentally, emotionally, and physically to do so. A time of crisis inevitably calls on our deepest reserves, so we must take care to not empty the tank. The following is a list of eight simple things you can do to support yourself when the day’s demands are extra stressful.

1. Simplify

Minimize or eliminate unnecessary activities. In a crisis, it’s best to focus on what is needed and to realize you can let less important things take a backseat; for example, letting slide cleaning the house or weeding the garden. Letting go of things that can really wait until the crisis passes gives you more time to focus on what is important.

2. Nurture

Eating well is still one of the most important basic things humans can do to manage stress. If your schedule is being disrupted by a crisis, then eat healthy and nutrient-dense meals whenever you can. Keep foods like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, protein shakes, and energy bars on hand for when you can’t really stop for a meal.

Cook foods that will feed you for more than one meal – or even more than one day – like a large pot of stew or a casserole. If you are really struggling to feed yourself well, then take a multi-vitamin to ensure you’re getting vital micronutrients.*

3. Sleep

Sleep is crucial for managing stress. A crisis usually makes it difficult to get good quality sleep. If you are unable to get a full night’s sleep, adding one or two short naps (even just 10-30 minutes) is a good strategy. Nutritional supplements like melatonin and magnesium can support restful sleep if you need extra support.*

4. Get outside

Being outdoors is a great form of stress relief. Sit on your porch or balcony, take a walk, a run, or a bike ride. If you can’t get outside, then sit by an open window to get some fresh air and light.

5. Make a daily schedule

During a crisis, your regular schedule is usually upended, so you will probably need to rethink planning your days. If you have a number of unpredictable things coming up, then it can be helpful to make a list of the daily essential tasks to keep you focused.

6. Cultivate calm

Adding things that relax you can be really beneficial when life is extra challenging. Play relaxing or uplifting music, light candles, or watch a movie that makes you laugh. Also seek out activities that increase your internal sense of calm, such as yoga, meditation, or prayer.

7. Stay connected

Our social connections and family connections can be extra important in a time of crisis. Because spending too much time on social media can negatively impact mood, staying in contact with friends and family is truly good for you. Even if you can’t physically be with your loved ones, then exchange regular phone calls, text message, Skype, or FaceTime often enough to keep your support system up and running.

8. Add nutritional support

Crisis-level stress puts a serious strain on your physical and mental well-being. Nutritional supplements like the stress B complex vitamins, GABA, and Craving and Stress Support can support your body and mind when stress is higher than normal.*

The one good thing about a crisis is that it’s a temporary situation. Although a crisis is very stressful when it occurs, we manage the best we can to get through it until life gets back to normal. And supporting yourself is an important part of managing until then.

An important note: No dietary supplement can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including COVID-19. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to understand that no dietary supplement, no diet, and no lifestyle modifications – other than the recommended social distancing and hygiene practices – can prevent you from being infected with the COVID-19 virus. No current research supports the use of any dietary supplement to protect you from being infected with the COVID-19 virus.