EMERGING FROM LOCKDOWN
So what challenges has COVID-19 brought to you?
Not having contact with loved ones
Changes in our jobs
Changes in our healthcare
Having to be more aware of our actions
Dealing with uncertainty
Having to slow down (although this may be a positive for some)
Changes to daily activities
Challenges in making sure we meet our basic needs
Ensuring we attend to our own self-care
Thinking about the above how have these changes impacted your own mental health?
Loneliness
Fear
Anger & Frustration
Sadness & Grief
Confusion
Feeling trapped and out of control
Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling hopeless
Relief
Firstly, remember that it is NORMAL to feel any of the above. This is a global pandemic and its okay not to feel okay all of the time.
We are facing uncertainty even now as we come out of lockdown and our brains don’t like uncertainty and will respond with stress and anxiety, our primitive brains kick in (the fight/flight/freeze part).
We need to look after ourselves so …….
Focus on what we can control
Look at what you CAN do
Make intellectual, here & now choices
Feelings – Notice how you are feeling and name it. Ignoring and suppressing emotions will not get rid of them and they will build up and top up that “stress bucket”.
Often difficult emotions come with difficult thoughts and worries.
Observe your thoughts and notice when this happens
Focus on the HERE & NOW and what you need to manage
Talk to a Friend or Family Member
Find a Counsellor or Hypnotherapist
Exercise
Practice Mindfulness
Visualise your distressing thoughts leaving your body and floating away
Learn some breathing techniques
Find a safe, quiet place you can comfort yourself in
Looking after yourself is imperative, we can all self-soothe. What to you find soothing? Often the senses kick in here with sound, touch, taste or smell.
Listening to a calming or uplifting song?
Looking at pictures of nature, holidays or loved ones?
Lighting a scented candle?
Snuggling up in a soft blanket?
Eating your favourite food?
Taking a walk?
Reading a book?
Do things that MATTER TO YOU
This might be in a different way to how you did them before but identify what brings you pleasure, joy, calm and a sense of fulfilment. We will find a way to the new “normal” ………
