At Nextt, we understand that COVID lockdown can sometimes make us worried and anxious.
It is important that we look after our thoughts and feelings as well as our bodies. Following are a few hints and tips on things we can do to stay well through lockdown.
Keep in touch with people
Try to make sure that you keep in touch with people – by talking to friends and family either on the phone or online.
Lots of groups are meeting online or by phone, and you can ask your families or support workers to help you find out how to join in.
Help other people
Helping other people can make both you and the other person feel better. Just sometimes even calling someone for a chat can be a big help. It can make the world of difference for them to know you are simply thinking about them.
Healthy things to do
Eat healthy foods
Drink lots of water
Exercise at home
Things to try to cut back on
Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol
Look after your feelings
If you feel anxious try to think about good things that make you happy. Talk about your worries to someone you trust. That could be your support worker or family and friends
Sometimes it’s good to talk to an expert.
If you are very worried and want to talk to someone in private, you can call:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 for young people 5-25 years
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 for men of any age
- Beyond Blue – 1800 512 348
Think about your new routine
Do:
Make a plan of the things you want to do in the day.
Make sure you get enough sleep.
Don’t:
Look at your mobile or tablet or play video games just before you go to bed.
Drink too much coffee and tea.
Do things you enjoy
Think about things you enjoy that you can do at home. This could be reading, writing, playing games, doing crossword puzzles, jigsaws or drawing and painting.
Find time to relax
Yoga and breathing exercises can help. You can find games and puzzles you can use to relax, as well as breathing exercises that may help online.
Enjoy nature
If you can, go outside to exercise once a day but remember to stay at least 1.5m away from other people. If you have a garden, try to spend time in it. If you don’t have a garden, you might consider trying to grow a plant in your house or on your windowsill.
Don’t be worried by the news
Only look at the news once or twice a day.
Get the facts. Not all news you hear about coronavirus is true.
You can find information you can trust from the Department of Health
www.health.gov.au
Practical issues
Getting food and medicine
Think about how you can get the things you need.
Only go to the shops when you need to.
If you can, get food delivered.
Try to buy healthy food.
If you have support from other people, ask them to help you.
If you look after others
If you have children, it is important to have a plan about what you might do if you are unwell.
It’s important that your children have a routine and fun things to do too.
Remember to ask for help if you need it.
Talk to your family or usual
supporters or a social worker if you have one.
Look after your body
If you usually take medication, keep taking it.
Get advice from Nurse Oncall (Victoria), Health Direct (NSW/SA) or 13 Health (QLD) if you’re worried about being able to get your medication. Phone: 1800 022 222
They can help if you feel sick and can’t get to your GP too.
If you think you have coronavirus you should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital as you could pass it on to others. Get advice from the coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398.
If you are very ill you should call 000 for help.
If you have any further questions, you can call the office to talk to someone. Our phone number is 1300 369 568.