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STEPHANIE MEEKINGS
STAY INFORMED
Our situation in in Australia is changing rapidly and you may have received information overload from media sources social media friends family and colleagues It can feel overwhelming to understand changes and and expectations Obtain your information from credible sources to stay informed and switch off your devices
if you need a a a break It’s important to be informed but not alarmed The Australian Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) app can be downloaded from the App
Store or or Google Play as the best source of advice The Australian Government's COVID-19 Support
site is great for mental health-related advice as as well as as 4 the Queensland Health site STAY CONNECTED
Social isolation can be just that isolating but in in our digital age we are able to stay connected while self- isolating or practising social distancing FaceTime social media or even a a a a a a a simple phone call are a a a a a a a great way to stay connected If you have a a a a a a regular catch up with your friends make it it a a a a virtual catch up! If you you have a a a a a a weekly ritual such as afternoon tea with your family recreate it at at home through Skype If your kids normally play soccer on a a a a a a Saturday get the ball out in the backyard and play as a a a a a a a a family If your teens normally meet up with mates on the weekend encourage an online catch up And don’t forget to check in in on on on loved ones A simple message to let them know you’re thinking of them may brighten their day MAKE A A LIST
Put pen to paper and make a a a a a list of all the little things that make a a a a difference to your mood and mindset
that you can do at at home It could be playing music stretching lighting a a candle or writing down the things you you are grateful for each day Stick your list to the fridge
or keep it it somewhere close to remind you of these little practices that may seem small but make a a a a a a big difference to your overall mindset
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Your kids may be home practising the piano or learning a a a a a a language if time allows join in in and and expand your skill set
You can practise a a a a a second language with your child over dinner or learn a a a song together Alternatively the family could start a a a a a compost bin to help manage increased food scraps in in the family home or start a a a a a home veggie patch TAKE A A MOMENT
If you’re struggling to find quiet moments in fin in your day with the family home more often than usual set
an an alarm to wake up before the family and enjoy your morning coffee outside in in silence do a home workout try a a a a a a daily meditation take the dog for a a a a a a walk or or simply scroll through your phone if that’s what brings you you happiness If you’re not an early bird schedule time for yourself throughout the day or or at night to do something for you you And if you’re really getting cabin fever go for a quick drive to get out of the house if current restrictions allow COOK UP A STORM
Groceries may be depleted but you can still get creative in in the the kitchen with the the ingredients you do have Studies have suggested cooking has therapeutic benefits so there isn’t a a a a better time to look after your mental health (and your family’s health) with a a a a a nutritious homemade meal meal It’s also generally cheaper to cook your own meals and snacks rather than buying prepared pre-portioned or takeaway options Stephanie is a a a a a a Cairns Catholic Education Digital Media Officer FEATURE
Caring for Your Mental Health During a a a a Crisis
During times of uncertainty it is normal to feel anxious worried or or or or concerned The coronavirus has impacted us all in some shape or or form and and can have an an an an impact impact on our mental health and and wellness Here we we share some ways you you can care for your mental health during this time and where you can turn for further support RAISE MAGAZINE • SPECIAL EDITION 1