BEING CONCERNED, ANXIOUS AND WORRIED ABOUT THE NEWS IS UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT FOR MANY PEOPLE, IT CAN MAKE EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS WORSEN OR DEVELOP DURING THIS TIME. IF YOU’RE WORKING FROM HOME AND FEELING ANXIOUS, WE HAVE GATHERED A FEW TIPS FROM MENTAL HEALTH CHARITIES AND EXPERTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TO HELP PROTECT YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH AT THIS RATHER STRANGE TIME IN OUR LIVES!
- BE INFORMED IN HEALTHY DOSES
Reduce the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which are not making you feel better. Start by being more mindful of which media channels you choose to consume, and how much of that you are consuming. Too much ‘doom and gloom’ can certainly play on the mind.
Mute your WhatsApp groups and hide Facebook feeds and posts if you are finding them too overwhelming or better yet, most phones have the functionality to limit your screen-time or time spent on some social apps. This can help you stay focussed and not end up in a black hole on Social Media!
- STAY CONNECTED WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBOURS.
Now might be a good time to make sure you have the right phone numbers and contact details of the people you care about. Agree on regular check-in times to feel connected to the people around you. If you’re self-isolating, strike a balance of having a routine and making sure each day has enough variety. Check in with your neighbours and loved ones, it’s times like these when they could really need your help and reassurance too.
- CONNECT WITH NATURE, EAT WELL, STAY HYDRATED AND KEEP MOVING!
As it’s uncertain how long the current status quo will last, it’s really important to factor in down-time. Mental health charity, Mind, recommends continuing to access nature and sunlight wherever possible.
Do exercise, eat well and stay hydrated. Go for a walk, tend to your garden or go on a bike ride. This may be challenging when the advice is to stay home, so why not tune into some online classes to get moving and try and keep those windows open where possible!
- THINK ABOUT APPLES
When hit with a moment of anxiety, AnxietyUK suggests practising the ”Apple” technique to maintain calm.
Acknowledge and notice the uncertainty as it comes to mind.
Pause and breathe. Try to calm your instinctive reaction.
Pull Back. It is only a thought or feeling. Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are not statements or facts.
Let go of the thought or feeling. You are empowered to decide how to react to your thoughts.
Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well.
We hope these handy quick tips can help you at this time. We must all take care of our mental wellbeing in order to get back to our ‘normal’ lives once this period has passed. Everyone here at Absolutely Advertising are looking forward to getting back to the office and working with our fantastic clients. We wanted to let you all know that we are here, just at the end of the phone for our clients, colleagues & friends should you need to talk, professionally or personally.
Take care and keep healthy, from the team at Absolutely Advertising.
