Being a front line worker is not for the "faint of heart". With the Covid 19 pandemic now in 195 countries and territories around the world, it's adding more weight on your shoulders not only at work but at home. It's dominating the news headlines, social media, family dinnertime conversations, it seems like everything! So, if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, depressed, mentally and physically exhausted, read on. Ya know what? Even if you don't, read on anyway.
Let's talk about those doom & gloom news headlines! Although it's good to keep informed, you really don't need to be over-informed. Try limiting your time watching/listening to the news. Twice a day is enough. Instead, turn on some uplifting music or watch a comedy. That goes for social media too. It's nice to touch base with friends and family far away but it can get very bleak, very fast when scrolling down that news feed. Set a healthy time limit for yourself.
Everyone needs some "me time" now and again. Don't let it slide because your life is a little more chaotic than usual. Everyone has a different way of getting their "me time" in. You might not be able to go to the yoga studio or the basketball court. However, you can modify these activities to continue them at home. For the yogi, you can make your own at home yoga studio. For the B-baller, it may look more like going for a solo run while dribbling a basketball.
Sleep is such an important necessity for the mind & body. Practice good sleep hygiene. Aim to get that 8 hours, your body and brain will thank you for it tomorrow. Having trouble sleeping? Here are some of my personal favourites I practice when I need some extra help getting some shut-eye:
Drinking milk (warm or cold) before bed and/or eating a banana. These foods both have the amino acid tryptophan in them which will help send you into that much-needed sleep.
A lavender bath, I use lavender Epsom salts or foam bath.
Relaxing music or white noise such as a fan.
A dark bedroom
Fresh Air; if you happen to be in a warmer part of the globe right now, crack the window open.
If you are lucky enough to have a family at home, make them "front line workers" in your home. Delegate some chores to the kids (it will keep them busy while they are off school), ask your spouse that is working from home to make dinner. They need to understand how hard you work and that you need extra help right now. If you are living on your own, ask a friend or family member for help. Maybe they can pick you up a few things while they are at the grocery store and babysit your pet if need be.
It's ok to ask for help. If your mood is starting to spiral downward, please talk to someone; a friend, a coworker or your doctor, someone you trust and who is supportive. If you feel you can't talk to anyone close to you, call a mental health hotline. Click on the links below for the hotline numbers.
Government of Canada mental health support hotline numbers: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html
In the United States: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help
One last thing...
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you & we love you! Take great care of yourself! You are all heroes!!!
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