It’s fair to say that COVID-19 has caught many of us off guard. For some of us it has changed our world completely. Understandably this has increased the stress in our lives and has left us feeling anxious, helpless and down right confused. While these feelings are completely normal, it’s important that we take some steps to reduce the impact this may have on us mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Here are a few ideas that may help:
Move your body - Go for a walk, do some exercises at home, practice yoga. Get your endorphins flowing. Focus on your breath and movement and take this time to take your mind off your worries and to-do lists.
Maintain social connection - If you are opting to stay home and ‘socially distance’ yourself, make sure that it only means physically. Take this time to FaceTime your siblings, catch up with friends over the phone, write your grandma a letter etc. Communicating with people will do you the world of good as well as the people on the other end.
Journal and brainstorm - Write down your concerns and worries. If they are within your control, come up with a plan on how to work on them. If they are not, recognise that you can not ‘fix’ them and so steer your energy towards the things you can control.
Make to-do lists - You may be spending more time at home. If that is the case, write a to-do list for each day. Give your days purpose and meaning so that you can end each day feeling productive. Structure and routine will make this very not so normal time, feel slightly more normal.
Prioritise your mental health - DO NOT put your health at the end of your priority list. If you are currently seeing a therapist, counsellor or similar, make sure that you stick to these appointments; even if it means doing them over the phone or via Skype.
These are just a few tips to get you started and hopefully ease some stress and anxiety. If you feel you may need further assistance, please contact any of the incredible organisations below.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Remember to be kind and look after each other.