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For CMA Evan Winder, managing stress means it’s time to go fishing

Evan Winder’s work as a certified medication aide at Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor has been more stressful lately due to additional safety measures put in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. When it’s time to unwind from a long, stressful week at work, Winder knows exactly what she needs to do: Go fish.

“I’ve been fishing since I was about 13 years old,” Evan said. “My husband and I do it quite often. I like to fish for bass the most.”

Earlier this spring, however, it was giant spoonbills gathering for spawning season that tugged at her attention and her fishing line. While fishing from a boat in the Neosho River with her mom, grandma, and a friend, Evan landed a 52.5-pound spoonbill.

“It put up a good fight,” she remembered. “My arms were killing me when I was done. It was the workout of a lifetime.”

The chance to spend a little time on the water with a fishing pole in hand, is a good way to escape from the challenges of the work week.

“You have to do things completely differently,” Evan said. “Things like remembering to take on and off your mask, remembering not to touch your face, and not touching things you don’t have to touch.”

Fishing, however, provides a respite from the care that’s required when helping residents stay safe and healthy. It’s outdoors in the open air and provides an opportunity to focus on the goal in front of her — catching more fish.

A bonus from her fishing trips is that her co-workers get to share in the rewards. With a 50-plus pound Spoonbill, there was a lot of fresh fish to share with others.

“I brought some to my co-workers, and they all thought it was really good,” Evan said. “I grilled mine on the grill, but two ladies from the kitchen fried theirs and they really enjoyed it.”

The Centers for Disease Control highlights the need to effectively manage stress during something as frightful as a global pandemic. Everyone manages stress differently, just as individuals’ reaction to the pandemic has varied. The CDC recommends the following tools to cope with heightened stress:

  • Take care of yourself, your family, and your community.
  • Take breaks from consuming news and information. Hearing about bad news repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
  • Make time to unwind and enjoy activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others and talk about how you’re feeling.
  • Understand that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions and to feel fear and worry about yourself or loved ones.

It’s important during times of crisis to take heed of your thoughts and work to understand and process them. Never hesitate to visit with any of our staff to help you work through any of the worry or anxiety you may have.

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