While we know that social isolating or social distancing is critical to curbing the current situation, there are no doubts that this is very hard on many and quite essentially a challenge for the most of us.
If you are feeling overwhelmed – this is normal.
If you are feeling like perhaps you’re overeacting or maybe even underreacting – you are not.
If you are feeling like an emotional rollercoaster – this too is normal.
What can we do to help maintain our mental health during these challenging times?
- Remind yourself that these measures are temporary
- Connect with family and friends over the telephone, a quick text, FaceTime, zoom; or even put pen to paper and send a hand-written letter. Even to kids, let’s face it, they LOVE getting their own snail mail
- Check in on yourself – take a moment to STOP (Stop, Take a breath, Observe & Proceed)
- Get proper sleep – sleep is essential to our bodies on a regular basis, therefore even more paramount in current times
- Go for a walk with your family
- Meditate - there are plenty of meditation apps to guide you to a peaceful zen place
- Listen to music – Music is wonderful for boosting our own well-being and energizing our bodies
- Try new recipes – Some spices have the natural capabilities of reducing stress
How do we keep ourselves well balanced?
- Establish a routine or a schedule
- Stay informed from reliable sources
- Limit your social media viewing time
- Un-plug from all technology for an hour a day
- Do not give in to “panic-buying”
- Get outdoors – enjoy the fresh air
Feeling like you might need a little extra help – Aspiria is there for you:
- Aspiria is our Employee Assistant Program
- They provide confidential, professional counselling to help overcome emotional distress
- Their services are available 24/7 via www.aspiria.ca
- If you feel you are in a crisis situation they have a clinical response team at 1-877-234-5327
- They also have an app that you can download for free on your smart phone iAspiria