As a healthcare professional, I want to suggest to you some concerns. The covid-19 pandemic can feel overwhelming due to new information, long work hours and caring for your family and yourself. It is normal to feel stressed or overwhelming during uncertain times. Emotions in response to uncertainty may include anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. You also could feel helpless, discouraged and occasionally, out of control physical responses may include headache, muscle tension, fatigue and sleeplessness.

Here are a few tips you can use to take care of yourself:

Physical Health:

• Fuel your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
• Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Exercise everyday
• Avoid risky or destructive behaviour such as consuming alcohol or drugs, excessive gambling or ignoring public health recommendations.
• Take deep breaths and stretch often
• Spend time outside, such as going for a walk in the parks, but follow social distancing guidelines.

• Set and maintain routine at home
• Focus on things you can control
• Use technology to maintain a social connection with your loved ones. Consider a regular check-in schedule to give you something to look forward to.
• Focus your thoughts on the present and things to be grateful for today.
• Listen to music or read books.
• Consume reliable news sources that report facts and avoid media that sensationalise emotions. Limit your exposure or take a break from the news and social media if you find that it makes you anxious.
• Lean on your personal beliefs and faith for support.
• Look for ways to help your community, such as blood donation, checking on older people in your neighbourhood, or donating supplies or money to local organisations.
• Acknowledge and appreciate what others are doing to help you and your community.  

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