Covid-19 Self-Care Advice
This is a very difficult time for many people as we have all had to make big changes to our lives and routines in order to work together to delay the spread of this virus. Unfortunately, this isolation has the potential to separate people from meaningful social contacts and from sources of income, placing them under financial pressure and psychological stress. However, there is a great deal that you can do to maintain your mental health during this difficult period.
It can help to create a feeling of relative safety by following HSE guidelines at all times. They can be found here:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protect-yourself.html
We all want to keep abreast of the latest developments, but it can be very alarming and distressing to listen to the news. For this reason, it is advisable to only consult official news channels and to avoid frightening conspiracy theories on social media.
In terms of finance, take advantage of mortgage breaks offered by the banks and avail of any emergency social welfare payments for which you are eligible.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/covid19_pandemic_unemployment_payment.html
Try to maintain your social contacts by telephone or online, using Skype or the video-chat facility on Facebook (by clicking on the camera icon in messenger). If you need help setting up video-chat on your computer or smart phone, ask someone for help now. Getting this done can make a big difference to your experience of confinement.
Make a list of things you never had time to do before. Turn this crisis into an opportunity! It’s often a good idea to make a list of things you want to achieve on any given day and with this precious time you now have. Listen to music you enjoy. Develop a daily exercise routine. Find something creative to do like photography, drawing or writing. You will be amazed at your hidden talents and at what comes out of you once you get started.
Connect with nature when you can. Go for refreshing walks, whilst maintaining social distancing in line with government advice. If you have a garden, enjoy tending to it. If you have pets, looking after them can be a great comfort at times like this.
Practice good self-care. Look after your body and mind. Have a bath or shower each day and nourish yourself with potions and pampering. Avoid using alcohol or other drugs as a coping strategy. This will not help in the long run as these substances can often exacerbate mental health problems. Instead, find healthy ways to destress like yoga or other forms of exercise. If you normally go to a gym, there is a huge amount that you can do to maintain your keep-fit regime at home, if you are inventive.
Keep in touch with the inner child in yourself. Listen to its concerns, anxieties and fears. Give it reassurance and confidence that you will mind it and keep it safe.
If you are with friends or family in seclusion, make a special effort to be kind, considerate understanding and forgiving. This is a challenging time in which people have lost their usual social outlets and are in one another’s company for more extended periods. Try to use the caring habits of helping, supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting and negotiating differences in your communication. Play games together and enjoy home-cooked meals.
Helping others is another rewarding way to look after ourselves as it feels good to practice small acts of kindness. There may be someone nearby to whom you can offer assistance or support whilst practicing appropriate health and safety protocols.
Try to choose activities mindfully, rather than drifting through the day, e.g. pick a meaningful movie to watch as opposed to aimlessly
channel surfing and just staring at what happens to be on.
This current state of affairs, though not without its worries and challenges, can be viewed as an opportunity get in touch with yourself and recalibrate your life. Stay hopeful and remind yourself that this time will pass. Mind yourself!
It can help to create a feeling of relative safety by following HSE guidelines at all times. They can be found here:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protect-yourself.html
We all want to keep abreast of the latest developments, but it can be very alarming and distressing to listen to the news. For this reason, it is advisable to only consult official news channels and to avoid frightening conspiracy theories on social media.
In terms of finance, take advantage of mortgage breaks offered by the banks and avail of any emergency social welfare payments for which you are eligible.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/covid19_pandemic_unemployment_payment.html
Try to maintain your social contacts by telephone or online, using Skype or the video-chat facility on Facebook (by clicking on the camera icon in messenger). If you need help setting up video-chat on your computer or smart phone, ask someone for help now. Getting this done can make a big difference to your experience of confinement.
Make a list of things you never had time to do before. Turn this crisis into an opportunity! It’s often a good idea to make a list of things you want to achieve on any given day and with this precious time you now have. Listen to music you enjoy. Develop a daily exercise routine. Find something creative to do like photography, drawing or writing. You will be amazed at your hidden talents and at what comes out of you once you get started.
Connect with nature when you can. Go for refreshing walks, whilst maintaining social distancing in line with government advice. If you have a garden, enjoy tending to it. If you have pets, looking after them can be a great comfort at times like this.
Practice good self-care. Look after your body and mind. Have a bath or shower each day and nourish yourself with potions and pampering. Avoid using alcohol or other drugs as a coping strategy. This will not help in the long run as these substances can often exacerbate mental health problems. Instead, find healthy ways to destress like yoga or other forms of exercise. If you normally go to a gym, there is a huge amount that you can do to maintain your keep-fit regime at home, if you are inventive.
Keep in touch with the inner child in yourself. Listen to its concerns, anxieties and fears. Give it reassurance and confidence that you will mind it and keep it safe.
If you are with friends or family in seclusion, make a special effort to be kind, considerate understanding and forgiving. This is a challenging time in which people have lost their usual social outlets and are in one another’s company for more extended periods. Try to use the caring habits of helping, supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting and negotiating differences in your communication. Play games together and enjoy home-cooked meals.
Helping others is another rewarding way to look after ourselves as it feels good to practice small acts of kindness. There may be someone nearby to whom you can offer assistance or support whilst practicing appropriate health and safety protocols.
Try to choose activities mindfully, rather than drifting through the day, e.g. pick a meaningful movie to watch as opposed to aimlessly
channel surfing and just staring at what happens to be on.
This current state of affairs, though not without its worries and challenges, can be viewed as an opportunity get in touch with yourself and recalibrate your life. Stay hopeful and remind yourself that this time will pass. Mind yourself!