Sleep, Eat, Meditate, and Repeat!
These times with COVID-19 has us all struggling to keep up our daily routines with the changes brought upon at work, school, and recreational/social activities. And, it doesn’t help that that daily media posts, regular government updates and general uncertainty may be causing emotional ups and downs and affecting your mental health. You may not be sleeping as well, you may not be eating as healthy as you normally do, or you might feel disheartened because you are unable to return to your favourite hobby yet.
Fortunately, the World Health Organisation has provided tips for looking after your mental health and has offered additional tips if you are a parent, an older adult or if you have a mental health condition. These tips are listed below, with additional links for your reference should you want more information.
SLEEP
- Develop a regular daily and nightly sleeping routine
- Use your bed for sleeping and sex purposes only
- Try to avoid stimulating activities before bedtime
- Limit screen time (mobile phone, video games, television)
Keep up with your daily plans
- Make sure you allocate time for work and rest
Avoid napping
- But, only nap before 3 pm for 20 minutes to 60 minutes if you must
- Exercise regularly
Other helpful tips on good sleep hygiene and strategies are linked here.
EAT
- Ensure you eat healthy meals at regular meal times every day
- Include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein options as shown on this image
- Avoid fast food
- Stay hydrated!
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
You can learn more about specific dietary guidelines at www.eatforhealth.gov.au. There website offers some free healthy recipes for you to try out!
MEDITATE
- Try guided meditation using the Headspace application
- Spread positivity in little ways
- Post a thank you message on Facebook to the essential workers
- Call a relative or friend to check up on them
Practice mindfulness
- Focus on one task at a time
- Listen to your favourite relaxing music
- Breathing exercises
- Limit social media and news intake to once or twice a day
Learn more about mental health, mindfulness, and support services at Beyond Blue.
And… repeat these tips every day to help establish a good habitual routine! As always, the Back in Motion Braybrook staff are here to help guide and assist you as necessary. Stay home, stay safe, and don’t forget to eat, sleep, meditate and repeat!
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