Coping in these uncertain times

Many are being asked to work from home, whilst those in essential services and community services are seeing an increased and relentless demand for support.  The homeless are still homeless, the lonely still lonely and the sick still need medical care.  Situations such as this provide opportunities, chances to show our worst and our best.  As individuals and as a club, we have a unique opportunity to shine, to be kind to ourselves and to others and to look out for those who are doing it tough in our inner circle and our wider community.

Whilst there have been some examples of panic and poor behaviour, there are many things we can do to ensure that we get through this together as a community.  Not all changes from this situation are bad, people are connecting with others in creative ways and we are seeing some inspirational examples of what it means to be a member of the human race and how simple acts of kindness change the lives of others.  Our environment is enjoying a break from mass crowds and our oceans and our air are likely to improve as a result of the limitation on travel.  Mother nature may get a chance to reset and perhaps we will all reflect on our lives and think about what is important and what really matters to us.

Here’s a few tips to help you face the challenges you and others might be experiencing;

Working from home

• Create a routine and stick to it. Get up, get dressed and work irrespective of the location.  Yes, resist the temptation to work in your pj’s, keeping to a normal routine is best.
• Set aside a place for work, try to avoid work spreading all over home
• Be strict with work hours, strict with yourself and with others
• Take breaks, get up, go outside
• Try to exercise when and where possible, we all did this before the invention of gym’s we can do it now
• Connect with others through the many platforms available, this will help you and your colleagues feel connected and less isolated

Family Life

• Acknowledge that having kids at home and all being in one space for extended periods of time can be stressful.
• Have space where each can go to have some ‘alone time’. Don’t feel guilty about needing this, we all do.
• Be mindful of your and others heightened emotions and stress levels. It is an unfortunate fact that we are likely to see an increase in family and domestic violence at this time.  Know your own limits, have some strategies to cope and if violence in the home is a reality for you, know where help can be found (see resources below)
• Stay connected, phone, skype whatever it takes.
• Limit screen time for all and find reliable resources to get your information. The Dept of Health, other government sites and reliable mass media sources are likely to give you the most current and accurate information.
• Acknowledge that for children this is likely to be a scary time. Talk to them, keep explanations simple and stick to routines as much as possible.

Personal Wellbeing

• It is okay to feel anxious and scared but try not to catastrophise the situation and panic. We will get through this, life will continue, it might just look different and some of that different might be good.
• If you find you need someone to talk to about your mental health, call Lifeline (see below)
• Take advantage of new downtime; get those jobs around the house done.
• Have a clear out, give some of your excess to others who might need it more.
• Write a letter or card to someone you may have lost touch with or a neighbour who might be feeling lonely, isolated and vulnerable. It might make a huge difference to them.
• Look for creative and different ways of doing things. Examples are driveway Anzac morning celebrations, drive way exercise groups, walking your dog at different times to avoid crowds.  It is still okay to go outside, just observe recommended hygiene principles and social distance recommendations.
• Eat well, sleep well and you are likely to have a better immune system.
• Do some gardening, start that vegie patch you always wanted to do

The key message here is try not to panic, life will continue, we will get through this so take care of yourself and of others and choose to show your best.

Pam Bubrzycki

Domestic Violence Help Line 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Lifeline  13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/