offering sessions via video or phone

Most of us are practicing social distancing: working from home when we can, staying inside and eliminating visits with family and friends and running to the grocery store minimally. While all of this is to "flatten the curve" of this pandemic and to keep us as safe and healthy as possible, are we aware of the risks to our mental health?

Every day it seems like there's a new restriction on our life. School closures have extended...but will it be extended again?  Playgrounds are taped off...so what can we do with our kids outside, especially for those that don't have a backyard?  Our social life has been temporarily stripped from us, dynamics in our jobs have changed and since our gyms and recreation centers have closed we've become more sedentary.  We're trying to adapt but we're starting to realize how important those social moments and extra-curricular activities mean to us.

It's important that during this time of uncertainty that we find a way to adjust to this "new normal". We know it won't be forever but we also don't know how long it will last.  And we're all facing it!

During this time finding balance is crucial. As great as it is to have extra time to spend with the family and get back to doing what we all did before technology dominated it's way into our social world what are you doing for yourself to ensure that anxiety and depression don't take over?  

Below are a few things that if balanced can help us reduce the emotional and mental stresses  while we social isolate.

1. Break up your day  -  Yes we have more time to binge watch shows we've never heard of. But we need to break up our day with different activities and change up our environment. With the weather getting a little warmer sit outside with a book, play music while preparing dinner or skip rope for 15 minutes in the garage to get the body moving and clear the mind.  It will give you moments where you can clear your mind. Go for a drive or a walk around the neighbourhood (remember...distance from others around you!)  Earn your screen time!
2. Self Care - As great as it is to have more quality time with the family and kids, and we most definitely are learning more about them than we ever thought we could, it can take it's toll on you.  Take time in your home for yourself. Read in quiet space, put on headphones, journal, communicate with your friends, meditate. Whatever works for you take half an hour out of your day to separate from everyone else. Be aware of burnout especially for those who are looking after people during this time, such as health care workers and first responders.  If we don't practice self care we cannot be there for others!
3. Eating healthy - We're all going to be munching more these days but try to make sure you're still incorporating healthy food in your diet. Sticking just to comfort foods especially at a time when we're all less active will make you feel more tired, more depleted and depressed.  Add fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.
4. Virtual Socializing - Find a way to keep connecting to your friends and family. There are many different kinds of companies offering video chats such as Skype or Zoom. Face time during dinner with family who are distant, have a virtual get together  with your girl friends over wine.  If there is anything we've realized during this pandemic is how important connecting to people really is. Staying connected will help us with our mental health, reducing anxiety and depression that could set in.  It's also important to be aware of the  negative affects of Social Media. Limit yourself to any negative content, especially around Covid - 19.  Instead of receiving helpful facts about the virus or other accurate updates you may be drawn into the fear and anxiety of others and that can bring you down a rabbit hole that's hard to pull out of.  Be aware of the sites you get your information from and try to keep discussion about it to a minimum. 

   *BE AWARE OF THOSE WHO ARE ISOLATING THEMSELVES AND CHECK IN WITH THEM*

               5.   Awareness - Be aware of your mental health changes. We're all feeling it!  But that does not mean it should be ignored!  If you need to see your doctor, call them to see what they can offer you. Maybe an existing medication needs to be adjusted.  If you feel you need immediate help go to your nearest emergency department or call your local 24 hour crisis hotline.   Seek out a therapist to talk about your fears and anxieties during this time of uncertainty so  that you truly do not feel alone. Most therapists are offering video or phone sessions to ensure they can continue to offer their services while doing their part social distancing.

           STAY SAFE AND BE HEALTHY!!!

                       Shannon Baun, RP