MEDICAL MATTERS: FIGHT HOW TO COMBAT THE STRESS AND STR
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• Put extra pictures up of the people you care about to remind you of the people in your life
• Listen to a chatty radio station or pod- cast if your home feels too quiet
• Speak with someone you trust, about being home or anxious about the coron- avirus
• Join a peer support community
The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while. It is an extremely trying time for the UK and particularly for our trade which is facing the agonising question: do you continue to go out to work, thus putting yourself and your family at risk, for a meagre return?
These worries about health, finances, cop- ing with being on lockdown and the dramatic change to normal routines is bound to weigh heavily on your mind. It may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated.
This sudden and substantial increase in stress levels is seriously compounded by the fact that many will be missing contact with friends and family which could help ease the strain of the situation.
It’s important to remember that it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts dif- ferently. Remember, this situation is temporary and, for most of us, these diffi- cult feelings will pass.
However, there are some simple things you can do to help you take care of your men- tal health and wellbeing during these unprecedented times of uncertainty. Doing so will help you think clearly, and make sure you are able to look after yourself and those you care about.
STAY CONNECTED WITH PEOPLE
Maintaining healthy relationships with peo- ple is important for our mental wellbeing, so think about how you can stay in touch with friends and family while staying at home:
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Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse.
You could try phone calls, video calls or social media instead of meeting in per- son – whether it’s with people you normally see often or connecting with old friends.
TALK ABOUT YOUR WORRIES
It’s normal to feel a bit worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. Remember: it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too.
If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress- anxiety-depression/mental-health- helplines/
SUPPORT AND HELP OTHERS
Helping someone else can benefit you as much as it benefits them, so try to be a lit- tle more understanding of other people’s concerns, worries or behaviours at this time.
Try to think of things you can do to help those around you. Is there a friend or fam- ily member nearby you could message? Are there any community groups you could join to support others locally?
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind- matters/helping-others/
LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY
There are a myriad of home workout exer- cises that be carried out at home to be found online. Here’s one example:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your- body/move-more/home-workout-videos/
STAY ON TOP OF DIFFICULT FEELINGS
Concern about the coronavirus outbreak is perfectly normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can affect their daily life.
Try to focus on what you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information.
It's fine to acknowledge that some things are outside of your control, but if constant thoughts about coronavirus are making you feel anxious or overwhelmed, try some
JUNE 2020
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, (see Medical Matters in PHTMMay issue for information on the best foods to eat to boost your immunity), drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Avoid smok- ing or drugs, and try not to drink too much alcohol.
• Physical activity: You can leave your house for exercise such as a walk, run or bike ride. People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish but only with up to one person from outside your household - this means you should not play team sports, except with mem- bers of your own household.
The importance of any form of exercise and getting outside for some fresh air cannot be overstated, for both your phys- ical and mental wellbeing.
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