Americans are under a great deal of stress right now, dealing with the fear of the coronavirus, quarantines, unemployment, and homeschooling children stuck at home. It's been two months since the pandemic altered our lives, and experts say the effect of this long-term stress can have negative consequences on both our physical and mental health.

When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which, in the short-term, help us deal with intense situations. However, over a period of time, these hormones can wreak havoc with our health, according to Lifehacker.

Some of the physical symptoms include headaches, stomach aches, a racing heart, and rapid breathing. Mentally, stress can trigger or exacerbate anxiety and depression. According to Psych Central, it can also lead to memory loss.

That's why it is crucial to develop strategies to deal with chronic stress now. Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, the internationally known best-selling author of "The Power of Self-Healing," offers these tips to Newsmax readers:

1. Exercise more. You may be feeling tired or even depressed, but turn off the TV and take a walk outdoors while maintaining social distancing. The longer you walk the better and more energized you start to feel. Mood-lifting chemicals in your brain start to circulate. Your heart strengthens and your metabolism revs up — and these effects last for 48 hours afterward.
2. Practice mindfulness. Practices like prayer and meditation help calm the nervous system.
3. Eat a stress-busting diet. According to Medical News Today, this includes foods such as fatty fish, eggs, dark chocolate, and yogurt. Avoid processed and sugary foods.
4. Sleep longer. A good night's sleep helps your body regenerate. Practice good sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time and avoiding electronics at least an hour beforehand.
5. Stay socially connected to your friends via phone or video chat.

Practicing self-care may seem trivial right now, says Lifehacker, but it's critical to alleviate the effects of stress. These practices can help you manage the fallout from everything we're going through.