[Episode 10] Supporting Your Mental Health While Self-Isolating

Today we are looking at how you can support your mental health while self isolating.

At the moment we are all experiencing some radical changes in our lives and it can be overwhelming and scary.

It’s important that through this, we find ways to support our overall health whether it’s mental or physical.

This may sound easier said than done, especially if you happen to be someone that is dealing with a high level of mental stress.

It’s important to take some time to plan what things you can practice for better mental self care. It can be the little things that we do in our day that makes the biggest difference.

 

In this episode we look at:

• How you can add structure to your day by creating a simple routine that you can follow.
• How you can check in with yourself by asking high quality questions.
• The benefits of adding meditation to your day to help you manage your emotions and ground yourself.

 

Create A Routine

“Creating a routine doesn’t need to be huge and it doesn’t have to be a full seven days either. Starting small with just a plan for what time you want to get up is an excellent start. “

Over time you can add more to your routine to help fill more of your time while your self isolating. But remember, it’s not about being perfect. Just do your best to be consistent with one thing a day to help bring certainty to your day.

When it comes to checking in with yourself, asking high quality questions that give you a constructive answer will serve you well.

 

Asking High Quality Questions

 

Ask yourself these questions.

• Are the thoughts I’m having right now positive or negative?
  There are no wrong answers to this question.
• Are the thoughts I’m having about something I can control? 
• What can I control? 
  Hint, the only thing we can truly control in our life is our thoughts. Sometimes it’s just really hard to but with practice it gets easier. The way we act and think is often an automatic response learned at an early age to help us survive.
• What is something I can do right now that will be helpful for me? 
  Is it contacting someone close, taking a moment to just breathe, move your body in some way?

 

Finding Support

Meditation App

Practicing meditation can be a huge benefit in supporting your mental health. If you’re new to meditation, finding an app that offers guided sessions may be really helpful.

I’ve personally used Headspace and Insight Timer. There is also Relax Now, Stop Breathe and Think which is free til the end of April to support folks through Covid-19, UCLA Mindful and Smiling Mind.

Talk To Someone

If you’re experiencing a lot of distress through this time, please reach out and talk to someone. Talking to someone can be super amazing and helpful, even if it’s a little scary a first. If you don’t have a close friends or partner/s that you can share with, there are a bunch of crisis support lines out there that can help you. In Australia we’re lucky to have some LGBTQIA+ specific support lines.

 

• For Australia there is Switchboard  or Qlife  – 1800 184 527.
  Here you can call or follow the links to web chat with someone.

 

If you’re looking for a general help line there is:

• Headspace for young people aged 12-25 – 1800 650 890
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline –  13 43 57

If you’re outside Australia this list may have the number for the crisis line in your country.

I know things are tough right now friends. I know we are all experiencing this differently. Regardless of where you are or what you’re going through, please know that you’re not alone and this will pass.