As coronavirus spreads, many of us are facing a prolonged period stuck at home, so it’s never been more important to look at ways to manage your mental health when the prospect of being shut off from the rest of the world begins to become a very likely reality.
With scientists citing sticky office keyboards, crowded commutes and morning coffee shop meetings as hotspots for bacteria to bread, shutting workplaces and, potentially schools – is one of the key strategies the Australian Government is exploring in order to slow the rate of infection.
In order to stay mentally healthy, and keep positive during forced isolation, we’ve pulled together a list of top tips to keep you feeling bright and your mental wellbeing positive.
- Keep In Touch
Human connection is a very real basic human need. Whether you live alone, or with friends or family, keeping connection going is essential during long periods of isolation. By using Facetime, Facebook Messenger Video Chat, Whatsapp, Skype and other online platforms, you can maintain healthy face-to-face conversations with loved ones that not only help to pass the time but keep you looped in with the rest of the world beyond the two dimensional world of television or social media feeds.
It’s also worth exploring some of Pink Hope’s online support groups where you can connect with like-minded women to share your journey and enjoy one another’s company in a digital community.
- Reframe
Perhaps one of the trickiest things to do is reframing your thoughts into being positive. Whether reading a book, drawing or scheduling some time to make your favourite dish I the kitchen, remember that in the broader scheme, the two week isolation period is really only a very small period of time and will go a long way to ensuring the broader health of the community.
- Self-care
Self-care should be top of the priority list whilst in isolation. Utilise the time to yourself to get comfortable with meditation, practice yoga or work out to an online exercise video as an alternative to spending countless hours reading online news and looking at social media feeds which are more likely to cause stress than help you to keep positive.
- Manage your anxiety
The natural worry for people who chose to self-isolate is that they may develop symptoms of COVID-19 as well as worrying about their family’s health and wellbeing.
If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to Life Line on 13 11 14.
Lastly, don’t forget the team at Pink Hope are only a DM, email or phone call away. If you would like to connect, we are here for you any time of the day.
