10/01/2021
Our partners at Ecafnp1 share some tips to help maintain your mental health at this difficult time (image via iStock):
Needless to say as tier 4 sets in and the new variant of the virus spreads, there can be much anxiety and fear. So how do we manage all of this? What can we do to help ourselves and keep our minds healthy?
1. Remember that we know more now than we did when this all started back in March, so can make more informed decisions.
2. Pray- if you are a person of faith, now is the time to use it. Praying can be very comforting and reassuring to those who use it.
3. Get the facts and use them. Fact check your information. Not all information is correct. It is needless worrying about incorrect information.
4. Manage the amount of information you take in. Sometimes it is ok not to watch the news or take that phone call or open that video. However, dont bury your head in the sand.
5. Keep a normal as possible life and routine. If you are in isolation or quarantine, try to have a workable routine for your space, especially if there isn't enough of it.
6. Stay connected with family and friends. Talk about the situation, and educate each other. Even have a good laugh. Stay clear of panicking. Be sure to calm and reassure the person who is panicking.
7. If your family and friends are a source of distress you might need to find a new support network.
8. Exercise and make time for fun and laughter.
9. Eat healthy. Do not over or under eat and do not abuse or misuse drugs and alcohol.
10. Use stress and anxiety techniques.
11. Learn something new and if you can share it with someone.
12. Sleep, as worrying will not help the situation, so try to rest as much as possible.
13. Do your usual safety routines. Remember you can't see the virus so you can only do your part.
14. If you feel overwhelmed and think you are unable to manage, ask for help or speak with someone from a crisis line
Your duty of care is to take care of you first. If your mind isn't well the rest of you won't be.
Trudy (ECAF)
