- Consider how to connect with others:
Video calls with friends and family can help beat isolation.
- Help and support others:
Think about how you could help those around you – it could make a big
difference to them and can make you feel better too.
- Talk about your worries:
Remember that this is a difficult time for everyone and sharing how you are
feeling and the things you are doing to cope with family and friends can help
them too.
- Look after your physical wellbeing:
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise inside
where possible and outside once a day (keeping the recommended distancing).
- Look after your sleep:
Try to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep good sleep hygiene practices
– like avoiding screens before bed, cutting back on caffeine and creating a
restful environment.
- Try to manage difficult feelings:
Try to focus on the things you can control, including where you get information
from and actions to make yourself feel better prepared.
- Manage your media and information intake:
24-hour news and constant social media updates can make you more worried. It
may help to only check the news at set times or limit yourself to a couple of
checks a day.
- Get the facts: Gather high-quality
information that will help you to accurately determine your own or other
people’s risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) so that you can take
reasonable precautions.
- Think about your new daily routine:
Think about how you can adapt and create positive new routines – try to engage
in useful activities (such as cleaning, cooking or exercise) or meaningful
activities (such as reading or calling a friend). You might find it helpful to
write a plan for your day or your week.
- Do things you enjoy:
If you can’t do the things you normally enjoy because you are staying at home,
try to think about how you could adapt them, or try something new. There are
lots of free tutorials and courses online.
- Set goals: Setting goals and achieving them gives a sense of
control and purpose – think about things you want or need to do that you can
still do at home.
- Keep your mind active:
Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles, sudokus, jigsaws or drawing and
painting. Find something that works for you.
- Take time to relax and focus on the present:
Relaxation techniques can help some people to deal with feelings of anxiety.
- If you can, once a day get outside, or bring nature
in: Spending time in green spaces can benefit both your mental and
physical wellbeing. If you can’t get outside you can try to get these positive
effects by spending time with the windows open or arranging space to sit and
see a view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight.
- For further support & advice contact EAP Assist.
