With current feelings of uncertainty and many of us having to change our routines or be at home more than usual, I wanted to put a blog together with some of the useful links I have come across that can offer some go to’s for support. Plus offer some ideas for what you can do at home to keep your mental health positive and keep you busy.
I also feel it’s important to say that it’s very normal to feel extra stress or anxiety during these times. While we might need to be physically distant from people, it doesn’t have to mean we can’t stay connected. Connection is what’s going to help get through these times, because after all we are all fighting this thing together. Within my own social group I have been encouraging people to reach out every so often and even share ideas for what they are doing to keep going.
Also note that if you currently have a team of medical and health professionals that you see regularly, feel free to talk to them about phone or online forms of support. Likewise if you are noticing changes and feel you’d benefit from support, please reach out, as us health care professionals are doing our best to stay in contact.
Now….
Here are a few links that I came across regarding information and support:
Ask Izzy – which is a highly useful and well put together website for helpful information regarding Corona Virus. Not only can you find health information but also you can search your local area or supplies, where to find food, health care, support services etc. You can basically ask Izzy anything.
Headspace- These website links below are how Headspace are offering their supports. Lots of useful information about coping with stress and anxiety and other free resources like meditation clips and other videos. They are also helping healthcare professionals and other workers dealing with COVID-19 on the front-line. I was a little hesitant to include the first link as it’s mainly US based but times might change so just know the support is out there.
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
Calm blog- I love the Calm app and all the resources it has to offer but even better I found this blog that has compiled everything like meditation clips or yoga videos all together for your use and they are free! Like they say keep calm, take a deep breath and let’s meet this moment together.
https://blog.calm.com/take-a-deep-breath
Beyond Blue – This blog has some useful tips for managing your mental health and considers all/most aspects that might come up during these times. As always they are a great support service, over the phone and 24/7 and aim to be there when you might need them.
https://www.abc.net.au/life/coronavirus-covid-19-mental-health-working-from-home-advice/12062284
Other ideas to keep you busy at home:
If you like to keep active, make use of online resources. Most trainers and exercise professionals on social media are offering free resources such as exercise videos to follow while at home.
There are many online yoga videos that are free or at discounted rates. Check out this Groupon link for instances.
Set time out in the sunlight for fresh air and a walk.
Learn a language- Duolingo app is one of many that can help step you through a new language.
Set time aside to catch up on the house hold to do’s you’ve been putting off for a while.
Set time to check in on friends and family around you. Don’t forget your neighbours.
Schedule in self-care time.
Schedule time for breaks to eat meals and snacks.
Try to build a routine at home to continue a sense of normality.
Enrol in online study- Class Central has free online courses you can choose from.
Think of some good books you’d like to read through.
Catch up on your movies or tv-series.
