We have noticed an uptick on blended families have issues in their families that just seem insurmountable. Stress from the COVID-19 pandemic uncertainty in health, job stability, and the economy is driving wedges in relationships between husband and wife and kids. In this episode learn how to identify the signs of stress, their causes and how to deal with stress in a productive way.

Causes of Stress

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Signs of Stress

• Distance themselves from one another as they try to cope
• Fight more frequently
• Find it difficult to plan quality time together as a way to rebuild relationships
• Experience sleeplessness, lethargy, anxiety, and loss of appetite as they work through feelings
• Engage in exaggerated behaviors as a result of trying to process difficult emotions

Dealing with Stress

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Lemonade Moment of the Week

Our Son-In-Law gets sick with COVID-19 symptoms but is tested and he is negative. Quarantine is over and his kids are happy he can be with them again.

Links

• CDC - Managing Stress and Anxiety
•  Three Ways to De-Stress While Going through a Family Crisis