Focus: Mental Health
20
Ideas to Feel Uplifted and Help you Take Care of Yourself
The world is lopsided and feels a little chaotic and crazy now, due to the global panic around coronavirus (COVID-19). If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed by it all, be reassured that this is a very normal response. However, it’s important to go easy on yourself and to take time for self-care. Here is a list of ideas and selfcare activities that you can do to help keep yourself centred and focused. They’ll help you feel a little better and give you a sense of control during a very uncertain time. This article is
1.
Plan your day
Put some structure into your day and plan out a couple of things you want to accomplish. You’ll get a great sense of satisfaction from achieving your goals. Trying to keep to a routine as this will help to keep yourself feeling present and productive. You can also try adding in something new to your routine. This helps to mix up your day while still keeping it planned. Always wanted to try a new hobby? Or want to get your exercise out of the way first thing? Try tweaking your routine by adding in something that’ll benefit your wellbeing to give you something to focus on and give you a sense of achievement. 2. Stay connected to friends and family Communication and staying in touch is more important than ever before. Even though our usual social activities have been impacted, try to schedule catchups with your friends and family online. With today’s
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technology there are many ways to stay connected and using different means to stay in touch can be fun. Recording a video and send it to a friend. FaceTime with family and see the smiles on their faces. Call and leave a cheery voice message even if they don’t pick up. Reconnect with someone like a friend, business associate or family member you’ve not spoken to in a while? Pick up your phone to catch up and fill up on positive feelings. 3. Share worries The old saying is, a problem shared is a problem halved. Sharing concerns can help alleviate the burden of carrying them alone, even though whomever you choose to share it with won’t be able to solve it, you can at least talk them through with someone you trust. 4. Don’t neglect your hobbies Whilst some hobbies (i.e. travel) might be more difficult right now, try to re-engage with hobbies you
Tim Hoopmann, Speaker and Trainer Experienced founder with a demonstrated history growing small business. Strong entrepreneurship and professionally skilled in Business Planning, Cloud Technology, Sales, Marketing, and Operations Management. A passion for helping small businesses use technology as a key enabler to increase productivity and decrease costs. A volunteer speaker for beyondblue, an Australian organisation that works to raise awareness of anxiety and depression, reduce the associated stigma and encourage people to get help.
can do - it might be picking up an old instrument you’ve not played in a while, planting a veggie garden or a home DIY project. Great joy is gained from the hobbies that we love. 5. Do something for others Helping others can have a wonderful effect on our mental wellbeing. Try volunteering (some volunteer work can be done remotely if you would prefer), or get in touch with friends and family and see if there’s anything (i.e. picking up groceries) that you can help them with, or even donate to your favourite charity. 6. Practice gratitude Practicing gratitude can have a profound effect on our mood. Try writing three things at the end of each day that you’re grateful in a journal you can keep by your bedside to help generate positive vibes. Practice daily and check in on how it makes you feel. 7. Get outside Being outside in nature and fresh
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