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COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Unknown userMember17 Mar 2020, 9:56 am AEDT

COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Hey everyone, just wanted to touch base and acknowledge that while we continue to learn new information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) it's important for us to look after ourselves and one another. I am keen to do a small post where we can share our thoughts and maybe reflect on what is true verse what has been potentially inflated by the media.

To kick off, here is the primary link to all information on this virus. For a more legible understanding I would also suggest checking out this article here.

Whilst it's a good idea for us to stay aware of any new government updates and make sure we're getting the right facts, it's also important for us to be aware of how this information impacts our own well-being.

Perhaps you might be feeling more anxious or worried during this time. If you are, please know that you're not alone. Keep reaching out of the forum community and supporting one another, right in this thread if you like 🙂

Our media consumption and how we choose to engage with these outlets will have a huge impact on our emotional wellbeing right now. I want to note some positive forms of media consumption you can check out. Have a look at the below..

Good News Network [click here]

Positive.news [click here]

Huff Post - Good News [click here]

What are some positive news sources or websites you find really helpful?

Final up - Physical distancing! Many of us will need to stay home and look after ourselves for a few weeks while the virus slowly begins to contain. What are your favourite things to do at home? Some of the other forum members may enjoy your ideas 😄

@Former-Members favourites are:

the Netflix show the circle (trashy but good)
Current Book: Abbi Jacobsen, "I might regret this"
Creative: Currently learning blues picking on guitar 🎸

Feel free to share your own home hobbies with the crew.
Will check back in here soon, but look forward to further discussion and ideas on how to manage during this time 🙂

133 replies

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In response to: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Unknown userMember03 Apr 2020, 10:53 pm AEDT

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

That's great @Teej

In response to: Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Unknown userMember04 Apr 2020, 6:56 am AEDT

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Self-Management Strategies for Increasing Regularity of Daily Routines
• Set up a routine for yourself while you are in quarantine or working from home; routines help stabilize body clocks
• Get up at the same time every day: a regular wake time is the most important input for stabilizing your body clock
• Make sure you spend some time outdoors every day, especially in the early morning; your body clock is regulated by the light – dark cycle
• If you can’t go outside try to spend at least 2 hours by a window, looking into the daylight, and focusing on being calm
• Set times for a few regular activities each day such as home tutoring, telephone calls with a friend, or cooking; do these activities at the same time each day
• Exercise every day, ideally at the same time each day
• Eat meals at the same time every day; if you’re not hungry, at least eat a small snack
• Social interactions are important, even during social distancing; seek out “back and forth” social interactions where you share thoughts and feelings with another person in real time; videoconferencing, telephone, or real-time text-messaging is preferred to scrolling through messages; schedule these interactions at the same time every day
• Avoid naps during daylight hours, especially later in the day; if you must nap, restrict the nap to 30 minutes—napping can make it hard to fall asleep at night
• Avoid bright light (especially blue light) in the evening (eg, computer screens, smartphones); blue spectrum light suppresses the hormone that helps us sleep
• Stick to a consistent sleep and wake time that fits your natural rhythms; if you are a night owl, it’s ok to stay up a little bit later and get up a little bit later than others in the household, but make sure you go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.

Disclosures:

These tips are from an article which appeared in The Psychiatric times and was written by Dr Gottlieb

In response to: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

KawaiiLifeContributor04 Apr 2020, 3:33 pm AEDT

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Really struggling with this as I have infection. Focused Ocd that seems to flare up with stress. Still working as an essential worker in childcare is making this terrifying and I feel so overwhelmed every day. Is anyone else in this situation? How do you cope with being essential in high risk environments that don't include ppe and what are some strategies you may use to get through.

Also really enjoying animal crossing on the switch to get my mind off things at home.

In response to: Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

MexContributor05 Apr 2020, 11:07 am AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Hi @KawaiiLife , a BIG thankyou for continuing to work and help the next generation. Working with children can be vastly underrated by some people, but most recognise the importance of what you do everyday and how the flow on effects of your work makes it easier for others. OCD is not my primary diagnosis, but I will say this: you lose no points for checking certain things repeatedly. Essential things like hand washing,making sure the stove is turned off etc etc. These sorts of reminders are good and are there for a reason, reasons which you can pass on to the children in your care. You're doing a great job, keep it up!

In response to: Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

KawaiiLifeContributor05 Apr 2020, 1:33 pm AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Hi @Mex thank you very much. I've had a couple of days off due to things being so hard. Your advice has really helped me. It's hard at the moment constantly being afraid of infection but I know what I perceive as weaknesses can also be used as strengths in these times and I know I have the knowledge to keep the kids and families safe by taking the precautions I take. I'm still nervous but it's great to have people that understand in the world. I feel slightly less alone then I did yesterday so I thank you.

In response to: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Unknown userMember08 Apr 2020, 10:41 pm AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

In response to: Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Unknown userMember09 Apr 2020, 9:47 am AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

just love that graph @Former-Member and also that meme

In response to: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Unknown userMember10 Apr 2020, 8:21 pm AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

ISOLATION OCCUPATION

Four walls slowly closing in

Isolation Occupation
Noone here to hear me sing
Isolation Occupation
Drifting off to lala land.

In response to: Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Sans911Senior Contributor12 Apr 2020, 2:32 am AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

I find like others it really important to put a little structure in your day. So that might be doing some cleaning, studying for something you've not had time for before or preparing meals ahead of time.

Also important is limiting your time hearing, reading or watching information about the virus. While it's important to have knowledge of what the current restrictions might be, saturating yourself in the virus news (did you notice my pun there) can be detrimental and all consuming. I don't own a television but I do rely on social media a lot. So I put limits on how much time I spend on news and current affairs. Also, the more you focus on something in Facebook land, the more the algorithms will send you of the same stuff! Instead I've gone looking for funny videos or human kindness groups. And each day I'm finding more things that remind me life can be good and beautiful. And we humans are often creative in a crisis. Especially us Aussies. From dressing up to putting out the bin, adopting healthcare workers, helping out the lonely and vulnerable are jyst some of the beautiful things happening on social media.

And exercise important too. So I'm leaving you a link to a very special workout specifically made for the pandemic. I hope you enjoy it.

https://youtu.be/3qWUpWB8ROA

In response to: Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor12 Apr 2020, 7:48 am AEST

Re: COVID19 - Unpacking fact vs fiction! + Self Care Strategies

😏👍 @Sans911 ....

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