As countries have implemented measures to restrict movement to reduce the number of COVID-19 virus infections, more and more of us is radically changing our daily routine.
The new realities of telecommuting, temporary unemployment, homeschooling, and lack of physical contact with family, friends, and colleagues during the job of washer repair. Adapting to these changes in lifestyle and dealing with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and concern for those close to the most vulnerable is difficult and can be especially hard for people with mental health disorders.
Fortunately, there are many things we can do to take care of our mental health and help others who may need more support and attention.
We trust that the following tips and recommendations will be helpful to you.
Stay informed. Listen to the advice and recommendations of the national and local authorities. Turn to reliable news sources, such as local and national television and radio, and stay up to date with the latest news from the World Health Organization on social media.
Follow a routine.
Stick to your daily routines as much as possible or establish new routines.
- Get up and go to bed at a similar time each day.
- Do not neglect your personal hygiene.
- Eat healthy meals at set times.
- Exercise regularly.
- Set hours for work and rest.
- Make time to do things that you enjoy.
Control screen time.
Be aware of the time you spend in front of a screen each day. Make sure to take a break from screen activities every so often.
Do not abuse video games.
Although video games can be a way to relax, when you are at home for a long time you can be tempted to spend much more time than usual. Make sure you keep a proper balance with activities without electronic devices.
Use social media properly.
Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful messages. Please correct any misinformation you see.
Help others.
If you can, offer to help other community members in need, for example to make purchases for them.
Support healthcare professionals.
Express your appreciation on social media or in your community to healthcare professionals in your country and to all those working to respond to COVID-19.
Do not discriminate.
Fear is a normal reaction in situations of uncertainty. But sometimes this fear is expressed in a way that is hurtful to other people. Remember:
Be kind.
Do not discriminate against people for fear of the spread of COVID-19.
Do not discriminate against people you think may be infected with the coronavirus.
Do not discriminate against healthcare professionals. Healthcare workers deserve our respect and gratitude.
COVID-19 has affected people in many countries, so it should not be associated with a specific human group.
If you are a mother or father
In times of stress, it is normal for children to require more attention.
What can you do?
- Maintain family routines whenever possible or create new routines, especially if you must stay home.
- Discuss the new coronavirus with your children honestly and using age-appropriate language.
- Help them with learning at home and make sure they have time to play.
- Help them find positive ways to express feelings like fear and sadness. Sometimes it can be helpful to do this through a creative activity such as playing or painting.
- Help children stay in touch with friends and family over the phone and online.
- Make sure that your sons and daughters do not spend all day in front of the screen and do other types of activities with them such as baking a cake, singing and dancing, or playing in the yard or garden if you have them.
- Try not to let your sons and daughters spend more time than usual on video games.