Lockdown just doesn't seem to get any easier no matter how often or how long we do it for. This week LifeLine recorded the highest number of calls received in its history on 3 August 2021 taking 3345 calls in that 24 hour period. In Australia lockdows have increased across the country with 3 states in simultaneous lockdown and uncertainty as to when things are going back to the 'new normal' we were just getting used to. The impact of lockdown albeit delayed for those of us downunder remains phenomenal and there is an increased amount of uncertainty pertaining to employment, accommodation, economic hardship, isolation, loneliness and feeling overwhelmed with increased stressors in all areas of life with limited access to regular coping / self care strategies. How do we get through this you may ask? A couple of tips: Connect on your friends and family - use Messenger, Whatsapp, Zoom, FaceTime to connect face to face, or send messages or make a phone call if a voice is enough.
Limit the time you 'debrief' with friends and family - set a timer or a limit on number of complaints. The reason for this being to avoid the rabbit hole, because feeling frustrated, isolated, hopeless and helpless can in this case much like the virus be contagious. Allow each other x-amount of time to purposefully vent and then find a topic to connect, or play a game, or watch a movie even. There are a number of boardgames and game sites online that are free and will allow you to play and connect real-time. A go to for me and my family across the globe is www.boardgamearena.com (no affiliation).
TAKE SCREEN BREAKS!! This is very important - my office as I am typing this has 3 computers running simultaneously - and that is just mine...this mornig I realised my idea of a break was picking up my phone. Screen fatigue is a thing. Zoom meetings with clients and colleagues can be tiring. Our eyes tire , our brains tire. Social media has been identified as a source that increases feelings of anxiety and depression with several research articles written on the topic in recent months. Take a break, go outside, get some sunlight - your body and mind will thank you for it.
Set a routine - it is easy for minutes to turn into hours and days. Set timers and stick to a routine that involves work, breaks, and time for self care/fun.
Speaking of self care. With limited access to our normal avenues of self care it is time to be creative - read a book, watch a movie or go on a virtual tour. Google Arts & Culture and New York City or Teambuilding are some good sites to have a browse.
Do some stretching & grounding exercises if you can.
Don't be afraid to ask for time out. With a house full of people, privacy can be hard. Do what you need to get some mental real estate freed up. For me, my walk in robe contains a chocolate stash and a puzzle book...at the moment that is like a holiday and as close as I will get to one right now.
Finally and most importantly - REACH OUT - you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others...check in with yourself, reach out, ask for connection friends, family or even a professional. If you are unsure of where you are at you can take a mental health check in here. Telehealth, e-mail and text support is available. Book now if you need some additional guidance.
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