Support for your mental well-being during the COVID -19 pandemic

| wanted to offer some resources to help us support our mental wellbeing during the corona pandemic. There is so much negativity in the press, which pushes us into survival mode and is bad for our mental wellbeing, as it undermines our autonomic immune system, which, in turn, is bad for our physical health.

I'm offering three simple steps, as well as a workbook which was originally produced for a crisis management workshop, focusing on psychological wellbeing. I have re written it to make it more accessible to general needs. It has some great tips and exercises to support you to be proactive in looking after your mental wellbeing. If you'd like a free copy, email me at hello@phenomenal-people.com and I'll send you a pdf copy within the next 24 hours.

The three simple steps to mental wellbeing in this situation are:

1) Be informed but not over informed. Make sure you know what is going on by getting information from reliable sources, such as the World Health Organisation website or your government’s website. You shouldn't need to spend more than 30 minutes a day to get updated information. Don't look at the news just before going to bed as you don't want affect your sleep.

2) Limit the time you spend on social media or in negative conversations. You don't want to get caught up in worst case scenario that is going to make you feel down.

3) Do something that's good for your mind. What can you focus on that cheers you up or uplifts you? Listening or dancing to beautiful music; watching a stand up comedy or a funny movie that makes you laugh; reading an inspiring story or watching a movie that tells the story of someone overcoming a seemingly insurmountable challenge; meditation; yoga; QiGong; watching nature slideshows on youtube; getting up early to go for a walk when no one else is about.

These may seem like small steps but with practice they help us feel as though we have some influnece over what can seem like an overwhelming situation.

Let's meet this pandemic with courage, humour, resourcefulness and kindness, supporting ourselves, our friends and families and our communities. We'll get through this - we will be changed, but we will get through this.