Maintaining Mental Well-Being

COVID-19 Coping with

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a completely new experience for all of us as we learn to cope with an unusual and ever-changing situation while managing anxiety in one form or another.

To manage your mental health during this Circuit Breaker period, consider these guidelines and tips that are based on sound psychological principles.

Self Care

ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

• If you are suffering from anxiety, stay away from news and social media. Instead, read and surround yourself with information that is uplifting. • Find “grounders” amidst all the electric energy – people, places, objects, and activities. Stay grounded yourself so you can help ground others. • Focus on what you have control over and create temporary routines to make yourself feel safe. • Take deep belly breaths or guided meditations/body scans/relaxation techniques. • Remember, this too shall pass. • Practice gratitude. • Think before you share – will this create calm or chaos? • Identify what you are afraid of and try to address those fears. • If you feel sad, try to have an early night. Tomorrow may feel different after a good night’s sleep.

TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME

• Create a schedule and set “Office Hours”. • Work smarter, not harder but be flexible so you can take advantage of family time. • Separate family and business roles as far as possible – set up an office area and give your family non-verbal signs that you are working (eg. hang a ribbon on the door) • Make sure children are occupied while you are trying to work but plan for interruptions. • Stay on mute during conference calls when you are not speaking. • Seek extra help if you need it. • If, at any time, you or any of your family members feel overwhelmed, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. Managing stress as soon as possible can help us avoid longer-term issues.

This article is contributed by Harmony Counselling - a private service provider that helps you to achieve clarity around your life and any specific issues you may be facing. Counselling is intended to help you regain control and restore harmony through effective management of thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Our director is Martin Williams, a qualified counsellor who has had truly diverse experience in both his professional and personal life. Based in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region for the last 30 years, he is passionate about working with individuals, families and their children to help them make the best use of their strengths and resources in order to lead happier lives.