Check in with yourself

A POCKET GUIDE TO PRIORITISING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING AND POST COVID-19

tion o ering, which covers occupational disability and severe illness and impairment, provides temporary and permanent income cover in the event of a mental health claim, whether it is related to COVID or not. If a mental health claim is related to COVID-19, Sanlam considers the nal diagnosis made by a healthcare practitioner as well as the treatment and period of sick leave prescribed. Sanlam will then compare this to the most up-to-date version of the O cial Disability Guidelines (ODG) to determine whether or not the sick leave period is valid. To ensure you are prioritising your mental health during and post COVID-19, follow these tips by Dr Parker:

1. Check in with yourself

Ask yourself how you are doing, determine what you need and acknowledge your feelings.

2. Establish a routine

Continue your usual daily routine, such as waking early and getting dressed for work, even if you are not going into the o ce. If you are a parent, incorporate a schedule for your children. Break up the monotony.

3. Exercise

Exercise bene ts mental health by reducing adrenaline and cortisol, both of which are stress hormones. You can incorporate active time into your day by walking, light stretching and doing yoga practice.

4. Find a healthy balance of information

Ditch the COVID overload! Avoid checking updated information constantly and minimise your chance of receiving constant updates by keeping to a 15-minute limit when checking the news.

5. Stay connected

As we continue to social distance, do not forget to connect with family, friends and co- workers. This will minimise feelings of isolation and protect your mental health. You can call, text, email, video chat or participate in online activities such as classes.

6. Spend free time on meaningful activities

Activities such as reading or taking a walk on the beach to unwind also allow your mind to relax.

7. Speak to someone

If you are not coping, a listening ear may help in allowing you to express your feelings and provide support.

8. Take a break from work

Consider taking a few days of annual leave to help you disconnect and relax.

9. Maintain a balanced diet

Do not skip meals. This happens when we become too busy with tasks during the day or are feeling stressed. Limit high-sugar and high-ca eine drinks and drink plenty of water instead. Ensure you have three meals at regular intervals during the day.

Mental health receives only 5% of the public health expenditure, making access to mental healthcare inadequate or inaccessible for most South Africans. “While you cannot predict whether you will ever be part of the current 62% of South Africans that are negatively a ected by COVID-19, you can ensure you have income protection cover to safeguard you nancially while you get the treatment you need,” concludes Dr Parker.

(Image 1) From left to right: YWM Managing Publisher Jehad Kasu, Thato Mosehle, Keineloe Phakathi, Shudufhadzo Musida, Candice Modisele and Natasha Joubert. (Image 2) Jehad with Miss SA 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida. (Image 3) From Left: Brand SA Chairwoman Ms Thandi Tobias, Jehad Kasu and Acting Brand SA CEO, Ms Thulisile Manzini.

Your Wellness Matters is a free wellness community newspaper created to empower readers with preventative wellness information in order to make better wellness and lifestyle decisions.

Contributors

Western Cape Government: Health Heart and Stroke Foundation CANSA Metrorail TEAM: Managing editor | Jehad Kasu

Business Development Manager | Dali Chiwara

Design & Studio Manager | Mishqa Bassardien

Writers: Zagreb Kline, Re loe Nomdada, Tsolofelo Mhabe

ywm@44tenmedia.co.za +27 (0)72 365 4037 (Cpt) +27 (0)11 886 1343 (Jhb) www.44tenmedia.co.za Address: Advertising ywmads@44tenmedia.co.za Printing Paarl Coldset Published by 44Ten Media Publishing