Healthy at Home ...
Looking after our mental health during the pandemic!



Posted 27/05/20





As we are starting to come out of lockdown and countries introduce measures to restrict movement as part of efforts to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19, more and more of us are making huge changes to our daily routines.


The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues take time to get used to. Adapting to lifestyle changes such as these, and managing the fear of contracting the virus and worry about people close to us who are particularly vulnerable, are challenging for all of us. They can be particularly difficult for people with mental health conditions.


Fortunately, there are lots of things that we can do to look after our own mental health and to help others who may need some extra support and care.


Here are tips and advice that we hope you will find useful.



Below is a list of some of the strategies which might help if you are feeling like this:



Have a routine;



Keep up with daily routines as far as possible, or make new ones.

• Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.

• Keep up with personal hygiene.

• Eat healthy meals at regular times.

• Exercise regularly.

• Allocate time for working and time for resting.

• Make time for doing things you enjoy.



Minimise newsfeeds;



Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed. The Government daily briefing’s give factual, evidence based information. There are lots of misinformation out there which can have a negative effect on our mental wellbeing and if you are already anxious this could make it worse.



Social contact is important;



If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels. Staying positive and keeping in touch with people really boosts positive mental health.



Alcohol and drug use;



Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. Don’t start drinking alcohol if you have not drank alcohol before. Avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation. There is no evidence of any protective effect of drinking alcohol for viral or other infections. In fact, the opposite is true as the harmful use of alcohol is associated with increased risk of infections and worse treatment outcomes. And be aware that alcohol and drug use may prevent you from taking sufficient precautions to protect yourself again infection, such as compliance with hand hygiene.



Screen time & Social Media;



Be aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen every day. Make sure that you take regular breaks from on-screen activities.

While video games can be a way to relax, it can be tempting to spend much more time on them than usual when at home for long periods. Be sure to keep the right balance with off-line activities in your daily routine.

Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation wherever you see it as this can increase anxiety in people.



Help others;



If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it, such as helping them with food shopping or giving them a call to ease loneliness.



We want you to be assured that the counsellor here at PCS is there to listen to you in a confidential, safe and secure space. If you feel you are worried about the current climate, anxiety or you are worrying about the future, do not hesitate to contact Jaime on 07399809671 or jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk.


This is a confidential service and open to all Staff.


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PCS (Personal Care Services) Ltd



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Tel: 01695 553930 | Email: enquiries@personal-careservices.co.uk

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