What can I do to help myself during this time?
The COVID-19 pandemic can feel overwhelming due to the enormous amount of new information we need to absorb, new ways of working, and caring for your family and yourself. It’s important to pause for a moment and collect your thoughts, as worldwide pandemics can be very challenging.
It’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed during uncertain times. Emotions in response to uncertainty may include anxiesty, fear, anger and sadness. You could also feel helpess, discourage and, occasionally, out of control.
Taking care of yourself is important so you are equipped to help your family through this time. Here is a reminder of a few things you can do to take care of yourself:
Physical Health
- Fuel your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water
- Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night
- Take regular breaks from your home workstation, stretch often
- Aim to do some form of exercise every day
- Avoid risk or destructive behaviours, such as alcohol or drugs, excessive gambling or ignoring public health recommendations
- Spend time outside, such as going for a walk, but follow social distancing guidelines.
Mental Health
- Set and maintain a routine at home
- Focus on things you can control
- Use technology to maintain social connections with your loved ones. Consider a regular check-in schedule to give you something to look forward to
- Focus your thoughts on the present and things to be grateful for today
- Consume reliable news sources that report facts and limit your exposure or take a break from news and social media if you find that it makes you anxious.
- Complete the NNL 30 Day Mental Health Challenge
What other support can I access?
NNL’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by LifeWorks, is for you and your family to access. You can find out more on Nucleus.
