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Enhancing Your Overall Health and Mindfulness

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our physical and emotional needs become increasingly challenging to fulfill. In light of this, prioritizing mental health and wellbeing has become paramount. On World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10, the message is straightforward: "Take care of your...

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In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, prioritizing mental health and wellbeing has...
In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, prioritizing mental health and wellbeing has become crucial. This World Mental Health Day, on October 10, the call is clear: "Focus on Your Mental Health, Australia."

Enhancing Your Overall Health and Mindfulness

Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mental Health Survival Guide

Amidst the chaos of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, taking care of our mental health is more crucial than ever. With this World Mental Health Day (October 10), the message is loud and clear: "Put Your Mental Health First, Australia!"

To maintain a balanced mind, body, and spirit, here are some strategies to help you navigate these trying times:

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Though many aspects are beyond our control, we have the power to manage our thoughts, emotions, and responses. Engage in positive activities like exercise, warm baths, cuddling pets, reading a good book, or spending quality time with family. Focus on the present moment and the things you can control.

ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR FAMILY

If you're feeling anxious, try setting small goals with your family or partner. Exercising or planning a big job together can help reconnect and boost morale. Consider introducing a new hobby, an obstacle course, or a fun game to bring everyone closer.

STAY ACTIVE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY

Even if you're unable to exercise outside, you can still stay fit with home workouts. Set up a workout schedule tailored to your abilities, or dip into online resources for activities such as cardio workouts, stretching, mindfulness, or learning new skills like playing a musical instrument or a new language.

GUIDED RELAXATION

Take four minutes out of your day to unwind with a guided relaxation session. PARKINSON'S NSW counsellor Shushann will lead you on a soothing journey that will bring peace to your mind, body, and soul.

ACKNOWLEDGE AND MANAGE YOUR FEELINGS

It's normal to experience stress, frustration, and sadness during such uncertain times. Recognizing these feelings and understanding them can help you cope better. Write down your feelings as short statements, such as "I am sad because of the news" or "I feel anxious about losing my job." Putting them into words can help externalize the stress and release emotional distress rather than storing it.

MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS HEALTHILY

Everyone deals with difficult emotions differently, but some methods can do more harm than good, such as drug use, alcohol abuse, or gambling. Instead, find something you enjoy doing that serves as a positive and healthy release.

WATCH OUT FOR POSSIBLE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, insomnia, changes in eating patterns, tightness in the chest, headaches, or impulses to hurt yourself or someone else, immediately seek help from a healthcare professional. Talking about your struggles can also help others know they aren't alone. The experienced Registered Parkinson's Nurses available on the Parkinson's NSW Infoline can assist; call 1800 644 189.

GIVE TO OTHERS

Helping others brings joy to our lives too. Check on your neighbors, call your friends, and offer support when needed. It's essential, especially for those living alone, to connect with others and increase their social support. Share your emotions and feelings, as this can help externalize them and make us feel less isolated.

TRY LAUGHTER YOGA

Discover laughter yoga—an amazing online resource—for improved mental wellbeing during isolation. Laughter really is the best medicine!

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

  • Beyond Blue offers tips on mental health care.
  • The Australian Psychological Society provides insight into dealing with anxiety.
  • The World Health Organisation offers resources for maintaining mental health and reducing stress and anxiety.
  • RUOK? has advice on looking out for family members and friends who are struggling.
  • Kids Helpline is a phone counseling service for children and young people.
  • Wayahead Directory has a list of mental health services and organizations.
  • Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health offers resources, information, and support for rural communities.
  • Head to Health is an online mental health portal.
  • Black Dog offers reliable resources and information on mental health.
  • Headspace helps young adults with mental health concerns.
  • ReachOut provides Australia-specific resources and support on a wide range of mental health topics.

NEED SUPPORT

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14, open 24/7
  • Lifeline Text: 0477 13 11 14, 6pm to midnight (AEDT), 7 nights a week
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
  • Butterfly Foundation National Helpline: 1800 334 673
  • Carer Support: 1800 242 636 or 1300 554 660
  • SANE Australia Help Centre: 1800 187 263, visit www.sane.org
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
  • MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

Stay strong, Australia! Together, we'll get through this.

  • Engage in a new hobby like learning a musical instrument or a new language to stimulate your mind during this pandemic.
  • Explore online mental health resources such as Beyond Blue, The Australian Psychological Society, or Headspace for advice on managing your mental health and reducing stress and anxiety.

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