Accept that things will be different for a while. It is normal to have a range of feelings: you may feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or even angry. There are things you can do to feel better.
- Talking to people you trust can help. Set up regular check-ins with friends and family, especially if you are self-isolating.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, sleep and exercise.
- Try to keep perspective. Remind yourself the world will keep turning and the sun coming up.
- If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your EAP Assist counsellor.
Social
distancing does not mean social disconnection. If you need to physically
isolate yourself, it’s more important than ever to maintain connections with
your loved ones, friends and community.
There are lots of ways to stay connected.
- Make regular phone calls or video calls to people you know.
- Arrange video ‘play dates’ for your children or yourself.
- Set up virtual social events with friends to watch your favourite TV show or sport.
- Play virtual games, like chess or scrabble.
- Join a local community group on Facebook.
- Reach out to others you know who might also be self-isolating.
- Share on social the ways that help you stay connected, they can inspire others too.
- Write a letter to someone. It’s amazing the effect it can have.
- Take a course online.
- Stay in touch with work colleagues. If you can do it, working from home could help you stay busy and connected.
Yourself
- Stay healthy, eat well and exercise when you can.
- Reduce your exposure to news. Choose one source and check twice a day.
- Think about posting positive stories about how people are dealing with this.
- Form a plan on how you and your family (including pets) would manage in the event that you needed to stay home for 2-3 weeks. Over-purchasing can take essential supplies away from people who are already disadvantaged or have limited mobility.
- Only share information from reputable sources, like WHO.
Your family
- Being in close confines can be stressful, watch out for signs of stress among family members.
- Work out a strategy to defuse any difficult situations or anger.
- Do things together that you all enjoy.
Young people and children
- Talk to children and young people calmly and honestly about the virus.
- Be reassuring and let them know they are safe.
- Limit their exposure to the news.
- Take their concerns seriously.
COVID-19 has impacted us all in some way. There are things we can do to make this situation easier for one another.
- If someone is self-isolating, remember than they may feel lonely and stressed, and appreciate a phone or video call.
- Invite others in your social network to call or message people who are self-isolating.
- Think about who in your neighbourhood, workplace or social circle may be especially vulnerable. If possible, give them a phone call or leave a note by their door.
- Slip a note under the door of people in your community who may need help. Ask if they would like essentials dropped off at their door, bins taken out, garden watered or pets walked.
- Plan your shop and buy only groceries and household items you need.
- Take time to thank supermarket staff, doctor’s receptionists and other at the frontline at this time.
- Check in on friends and family whose employment is likely to be affected.