COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. Due to physical distancing, we may find ourselves working from home, under financial stress, or unable to see the people we love. Our Counselling team has put together 7 healthy ways to cope with the effects of COVID-19.
Keep Moving
It can be difficult to keep moving when staying at home, but physical activity is key to both our physical and mental health.
Try to move in a way that you find enjoyable at least once a day, whether that's walking, dancing, stretching, cleaning, jogging, or lifting weights or other household objects (e.g., books, water bottles, cans)
Start small. Set an initial goal that you can maintain (e.g., walking for 15 minutes), then slowly work up from there.
Find some inspiration online. There are lots of free exercise videos available, here are some that we found:
Yoga with Adrienne: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yoga+with+adrienne
Fitness Blender: https://www.fitnessblender.com
Reach Out
Sometimes when we're feeling stressed and anxious, we withdraw from other people. But social relationships are also central to our mental health.
While we can't see people in person at this time, we can still connect virtual means. Reach out to friends and family through text messages, phone calls, social media or video chat/conferencing platforms like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or HouseParty.
Make it fun by coming up with creative ways to spend time together, such as watching the same show, playing a board game or video game, or eating a meal at the same time.
Self-Care: do something you find enjoyable, relaxing or re-energizing
Engaging in relaxing activities won't change the reality that we're dealing with right now. However it's important to rest and re-energize when possible, so that we can continue coping with these difficult times as best we can.
When we're feeling stressed, we may forget to take care of ourselves, especially when we're busy caring for other people. Even if it's just 5 minutes, try to make some time each day to take care of yourself.
What self-care includes will be different for everyone. Some common ideas include:
Spending time outdoors
Going for a walk
Watching a favourite TV show/ movie
Listening to music
Reading a book
Working on a hobby
Writing a journal
Taking a nap or bath
Practice Self-Compassion
Life as we know it has been turned upside down. It's normal to feel like your mood, energy, or outlook have declined or are changing from day to day. Some people feel more productive right now, while others are feeling more tired than usual. People respond to stressful and traumatic situations in different ways, and that's okay.
Practice self-compassion by giving yourself permission to feel sadness, anger, frustration, or grief as well as to find any joy and optimism when you can.
Step Away from News when Needed
It's important to be informed, but the constant coverage of COVID-19 on news and social media can be overwhelming. Pay attention to what you're thinking and feeling after consuming media content. Consider stepping away from your news feed if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Focus on Choices
Many aspects of this situation are out of our control, including the choices that other people make during this pandemic. It's easy to focus on these areas, although doing so can be frustrating and overwhelming.
Instead, try to focus on areas where you have choices and can take action, such as practicing good hygiene, engaging in physical distancing, and applying the healthy coping strategies outlined in this article.
Give Us a Call
If you're concerned about your stress, relationships, or mental health, please give us a call at 306-525-0521.
Our counsellors are still available for phone and video sessions, or can refer you to other resources in the community as needed.
Stay Safe, Stay Positive, Stay Connected
- Your CFS Counselling Team
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