COVID-19 and your Mental Health

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 overreacting 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