Anxieties over your own health and that of loved ones can often feel all-consuming at the moment. We have been living with restrictions on our interactions for some considerable time therefore the changes to physical distancing and safety measures can make us hyper vigilant when outside. Some of us spend most of our time cooped up at home either alone or with family.
Lack of personal space, freedom and control can make life feel stressful, frustrating and intense. To help you stay mentally strong and boost positivity amongst so much uncertainty we've listed some hints, tips and advice to help you through these challenging times.
Support for mental wellbeing
We will all experience mental health issues from time-to-time. Talking about how we're feeling is what we do every day, but there are times when we may need more than just someone to talk to.
Recognising when we need additional support is a good way of developing an understandings of how we feel, what affects our mood, and importantly helps us to take action to keep ourselves well.
If you feel you aren't coping, have noticed little things such as changes to your mood or that things are starting to get on top of you, speak to your manager.
If you aren't comfortable speaking to someone at work, here are a list of organisation that can help.
NHS24 111 – now available for Mental Health support
A dedicated Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) Hub is now available through NHS 24, for anyone experiencing distress or requiring mental health support.
By calling NHS 24's 111 service, you will be directed to a dedicated professional who can offer mental health advice and support.
What do you do If you suspect that someone may be struggling or feeling isolated
Keep in touch and stay connected with the person, even a simple daily check-in via email, WhatsApp or text can lift someone's spirits or pick up the phone/organise a virtual catch up and really focus on what they are saying.
If you're worried about someone let your manager know as quickly as possible, they should be the calm voice of reason and reassurance. They can also set up weekly one-to-ones and small team chats over the phone or virtually creating a safe place for people to be open about how they are feeling.
The more effort you put into communicating with others at this time the more chance you have of helping them understand their feelings and what help they may need before they become overwhelmed.
Keeping connected is especially important for colleagues who live alone and who might be feeling more isolated than those who have friends or family.
The NHS National Wellbeing Hub has produced resources and information to help us stay in control if we feel anxious about restrictions being lifted. It is in response to reports of increased levels of anxiety amongst workforces. Although based on support for health & social care employees the resources and information is helpful for all employees
Wellbeing tips for everyone
Avoid speculation
Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety so having access to good quality information about coronavirus can help you feel more in control. Trusted sources include:
If you are feeling stressed or anxious, consider how you feel when you have constant exposure to media coverage and graphic news stories. Although it is important to stay informed, consider taking a break if you feel things are getting on top of you.
Look after yourself
Remember to eat and drink regularly and healthily, allow time for sleep, rest and respite every day and consider setting a time to get up and a time to go to bed.
You may choose to limit contact just now with friends and family but you can still stay connected to them using technology – build in time to make that happen because it’s important to stay in touch.
Arrange to meet up with a family member or friend for a walk and a chat which will benefit your physical and mental wellbeing.
Most of all, be kind to yourself. None of us have been in this situation before so it's important not to beat yourself up if things don't go quite to plan. If you feel you are struggling don't be afraid to ask for support.
Relax
Exercising, relaxing and getting enough rest is a must to maintain good mental health. Taking good care of yourself may require a little extra time and effort, but it's worth it. While there are no specific guidelines on how much relaxation a person should incorporate into their lifestyle, making time to unwind and enjoy life is an important part of maintaining good health.
When practiced regularly deep relaxation, like meditation, relieves stress and anxiety and improves mood and may potentially decrease blood pressure, relieve pain and improve your immune and cardiovascular systems.
Regular relaxation, preferably on a daily basis, is essential to maintain our wellbeing.
Do you make time to recharge your batteries on a daily basis? No? Why not? Reassess your priorities and make time for this. Anything you enjoy doing can count as relaxation – it doesn't have to be lying in a darkened room but you can do that if you want to!
Consider:
- Using aromatherapy oil in the bath – a long, hot soak is good for mind and body
- Read a magazine or a book in a comfy chair with a cuppa
- Use the one time you are allowed to exercise a day to enjoy a leisurely stroll near your home
- Try a new form of exercise at home
Get relaxation inspiration from Mind, the mental health charity by watching this video:
Meditate
The goal of meditation is to focus and understand your mind, eventually reaching a higher level of awareness and inner calm. Regular meditation can help you to control your emotions, enhance your concentration, decrease stress and even become more connected to those around you. With practice, you'll be able to achieve a sense of tranquillity and peace.
Remember, there are many ways to meditate so try a few different types to see what works best for you. Headspace – Meditation for beginners is a good place to start.
Other useful links for mindfulness:
Going home checklist
Created by the NHS, the checklist is a great way to reflect and be mindful at the end of each working day.
- Take a moment to think about today.
- Acknowledge three things that were difficult. Let them go.
- Consider three things that went well.
- Choose an action that signals the end of your shift/working day eg a walk at the beginning or end of the working day to signal the change, or clearing away your laptop and work from your home area.
- Now switch your attention to home.
- How will you rest and recharge?
Library at home
Reading is a great distraction and one of the best ways to de-stress – and fill the time in lockdown. Here are some resources you might want to try:
- Falkirk Libraries app offers free access to magazines, books and audiobooks if you have a library card.
- BorrowBox is a great resource all local school children can tap into – and there's nothing more relaxing than snuggling up with your children and reading a book together.
- Theory Test Pro use your time to study for the theory test when plans to sit your driving test have stalled.
Other resources