It’s been over a month since Governor Kim Reynolds issued a public health disaster emergency in light of COVID-19, and as such many Iowans may be feeling restless and wondering if things will ever get back to normal.

ISU Extension and Outreach Human Sciences Specialist Mackenzie DeJong gives some tips on how to manage the stress induced by the pandemic. While it’s important to keep informed of the situation, DeJong advises people to limit their time reading social media and other sites to help minimize stress. Though people should be keeping six feet apart from each other and staying home when possible, DeJong adds it’s still important to go outside and get regular physical activity, as well as keeping a healthy eating and sleeping schedule. She also recommends those feeling overwhelmed to reach out for help, “Either through those friends and family that you can give a call or it might be a matter of taking this time at home to utilize other resources. Our Iowa Concern Hotline is available, our number is 800-447-1985. It’s a 24/7 hotline for resources on stress management, financial stress, those sorts of things.”

DeJong reinforces that no one is alone in facing problems during the pandemic, and to try finding a silver lining in the situation, for example, more time at home to focus on unattended tasks.