Here are some ways to support your mental health when you’re at home isolating, based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing:
- Connect/tūhono with your friends and whānau on the phone, through social media, video chats and text
- Find ways to switch off and recharge. Reading, mindfulness, gardening, organising the house, getting stuck into a project, deep breathing and meditation are all great ways to unwind. Check out some free mindfulness practices here
- Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus, and remember that your efforts are helping to keep others safe
- Find ways to take notice. Take time to feel the sun on your skin and breathe in fresh air whenever you can, even if it’s just through the window! Practice gratitude to help you focus on what’s important – try writing down what you’re grateful for, and what you’re looking forward to
- Stick to a routine as best as possible to keep some structure and certainty in your days. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower and get ready each morning
- Think about how you can connect with nature from your home. Can you bring some nature indoors? Put up pictures of maunga (mountains), whenua (land), moana (oceans) or awa (rivers) that have meaning to you. Listen to nature sounds – birdsong is a lovely background noise while you work. Open the windows as often as you can
- Find ways to be active as much as you can from home. Regular movement helps release tension and stress and gives us an energy boost. You could try a Youtube yoga class, or even some simple stretching!
- If you’re working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work hours, taking regular breaks and, if possible, establishing a dedicated work space – see here for more tips on working from home
- Keep learning new things to help focus your mind and give you a sense of purpose. You could use this time to learn something you’ve always wanted to know about, like your whakapapa or family tree
- Give – it feels good to give, and everyone has something to offer – big or small. Give thanks to whānau, friends or colleagues who might be helping you right now. Let someone know you appreciate them. Give your time by checking in with the people you care about
- Try to get some ‘me time’ everyday, whether you’re isolating on your own or with others. It can be as simple as cuddling a pet, tending to the garden, having a bath, singing a waiata or drawing a picture
- Limit how much you look at the news and social media if you find it overwhelming. Pick one trusted source and check it once or twice a day.
Life’s a bit unpredictable at the moment, and it’s completely normal to be feeling all out of sorts. It’s okay to feel ups and downs and to take things day by day.
If you’ve noticed you’re really not feeling yourself, there is help available. See the helplines page for advice.
If you’ve noticed you’re really not feeling yourself, there is help available. See the helplines page for advice.