STAYING POSITIVE DURING COVID-19 CRISISbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site987/COVID-19/Staying...
Transcript of STAYING POSITIVE DURING COVID-19 CRISISbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site987/COVID-19/Staying...
Anita ChurchouseBSc(Hons) OH SCPHN RGN AIOSH
Independent Occupational Health Advisor
STAYING POSITIVE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS
Challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic
from Pixabay
World upside down
Nothing seems normal
Everyday lives different
Great change
Uncertainty
Isolation and segregation
Fear and anxiety
Overwhelming
What are we FEELING……. ?
GratitudeAppreciative
ReflectiveStrong
AcceptanceMindful
Sense of familyConnected
Giving / sharingOpportunity
TimeRelief
Resourcefulness
AnxiousAngry
ExhaustedOverwhelmed
DisturbedDisconnected
SufferingBored
SensitiveMistrustful
WeakCautiousParalysed
Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay
A mixture of emotions…
BEING HUMAN: responding to stress and change and even grief
Stress, grief and change in common…
CHANGE: denial, resistance, exploration and commitment eventually to acceptance through resilience
Grief at our loss: Shock denial, pain, anger and guilt, bargaining, depression… Working through eventually to acceptance and hope through resilience
Stress: immediate reaction (fight or flight) damage control, potentially burnout unless managed to recovery through resilience
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Different stages of human emotion to reach an outcome of forward momentum
What is resilience?...
Psychologists might define it in a number of ways but usually include a collection of attributes that allow for a capacity to overcome adversity through positive mindset and attitude.
A capacity to overcome despite challenging circumstances
Confidence, social support, adaptability and purposefulness…
Words like… hardy, tough, irrepressible, stamina, stick-ability are often used
Growing through the change…
Kubler Ross Change curve
Despair Acceptance Resilience
How can we as individuals maintain a balance
Image by bluebudgie from Pixabay
This will depend on our approach our own degree of resilience and ability to adapt
Maintaining a positive attitude is very important
Take care of the basics?
Be appreciative of the little things..• Have you got food, water, shelter?• Have others that you love got these essentials?Plan carefully for other essentials (e.g. medical supplies)
Look at your own wellbeing…
Positive
Thriving: healthy feeling well, happy
Flagging, languishing, feeling unwell
Not so positive
Positive
Well controlled
Have underlying or chronic health
issue
Not so positive
Wellbeing is a SPECTRUM
Anticipate VARIATION
Manage UNDERLYING CONDITIONS
Ensure YOU time
Be kind to YOURSELF
Balance EXPECTATIONS(Your own and those of others)
PHYSICAL as well as EMOTIONAL
ATTITUDE
CONNECTEDNESS
WELL
LESS WELL
We can influence our approach through our attitudeThis can lead to developing greater resilience
Image by Valdas Miskinis from Pixabay
We have some control
Image by Engin_Akyurt from Pixabay
We are the centre of our sphere of influence. We can control certain things ourselves
There are some things we can influence…. but may not be able to controlThere are some things completely outside of our control
During this pandemic...What can we control?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Stick to your usual daily and weekly
routines
Recognize that things may take longer due to issues with
practicalities as well as reduced concentration.
Output might be less.. If working from home, establish a
pattern.
Break the day into sections and take
regular short breaks
Set your work area up with care. Good ergonomic postures, reduce distractions. Establish boundaries
with others in the household.
Take a break at lunch time, try to get some fresh air
Switch off at a sensible time and
“come home”
Keep connected…it is up to you…
Image by Photo Mix from PixabayImage by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Humans are social beings…
Maintaining connections with family, friends and work colleagues is hugely important
Emails, and texts can be helpful, although a much greater sense of connection exists with verbal communication and visual (video) conferencing. This is equally important for work and non-work connected approaches….. Can you connect with someone you have not seen / spoken to recently?Can you support someone less fortunate?
Move about more often?
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
Walk up and down the stairsWalk around the garden
Try some stretchesDownload an exercise app
https://tomato-timer.com/
http://www.getbritainstanding.org/
https://www.healthflix.online/#schedule
https://www.smartworkandlife.co.uk/
https://niva.org/workout-take-a-227-min-break/?fbclid=IwAR2wsynhTUO1A2ohuSHyALCIRWLWoXTIJe6QCOWlUELL-YxEsA_8RQEwZ38
Look at some of these sites:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-workouts/
What about your social life?
Think creatively…. What were you doing before? Have social pursuits stopped?
Is it time for a new hobby?How can you maintain the momentum?What are other people doing?Share your ideas…
Take care of your mind?
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
Limit the time you spend watching distressing news to once or twice a day. Use reputable sites.
Avoid silo working (connect with others) and share your concerns, emotions, thoughts and feelings. Seek solutions where you can.
Negative emotions can be a challenge, aim to rise up against and overcome challenges
Reflect and be grateful for small positives. Growth and resilience develop out of adversity.
Accept that work, life and home tensions may occur. Communicate with others to gain better understanding.
Learn and practice some relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
Image by athree23 from Pixabay
You can still have some fun?Connect with your inner child…
Nurture selfPainting / collage
Dot to dotPuzzlesGames
Growing some seedsFace paintingWrite a story
Create a poemLearn origami
Nurturing others / Volunteer Learn a languageNew hobby / skillDo some baking
Virtual tripsVirtual choirs
Online theatre/musicalsLearn an instrument
Read a bookCONNECT
Be aware of..?
See https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-mind/sleep/& https://www.sleepunlimited.co.uk/
Maladaptive strategies………Things that will not help
AVOID the temptations to… Instead aim to…
Overeat: especially sweets, cakes and fatty food
Eat a healthy diet
Large portion sizes Reduce meal sizes
Drink too much alcohol Minimal alcoholic drinks
Spend too long on the computer/TV/iPad/phone
Be resourceful: Find other things to do
Remember the importance of rest and sleep
Seven top tips to help get through Covid-19?
4. Appreciate the positive things you have got. Our air seems cleaner, the birds sound louder, positive efforts of others are keeping us fed and our health cared for.
5. Maintain a positive attitude. Look for solutions to problems, look after physical and mental wellbeing.
6. Stay actively connected to your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, social life, as well as to your routines.
7. Look ahead what can you do differently now and in the future
1. Accept that you have no control over Coronavirus, other than trying to follow appropriate safe distancing guidelines.
2. Avoid media overload regarding negative / distressing news. Stick to official information channels.
3. Time does go by fast, appreciate the extra time you may have (with family for instance). This will not last forever.
Image by M W from Pixabay
The importance of balance and attitude
STAY HOME… unless you are a critical worker
STAY SAFEDo positive things
to protect your wellbeing
SAVE LIVESThrough
appropriate actions
STAY POSITIVEFocus on
optimism and motivated
attitude
Create an action plan:
What three things are you now going to do
differently…?
How can you get extra help
Reach out to a family member, colleague or friend
Speak to your manager or an HR Advisor
Make use of the company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) if there is one
Occupational health can assist Occua Ltd (OH) are offering some free telephone services during the Coronavirus crisis
Consider local charity support or contact your local council, who may be able to advise
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus
Community Support contactswww.wiltshire.gov.uk/downloads/22069
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
Useful addresses to try FREE (1)
KEEP FIT
FITNESS STUDIO short workoutshttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/
10 MINUTE WORKOUTShttps://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/move-more/home-workout-videos/
RELAX CALM
MEDITATIONS (Free) from Meditainmenthttps://www.meditainment.com/free-meditainment
ENTERTAINMENT (1)
VIRTUAL BOAT TRIP WITH CRThttps://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/features/virtual-adventures-on-our-canals
THEATRE ON A THURSDAYhttps://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/mar/26/national-theatre-to-broadcast-shows-online-on-thursdays
CHOIR AT 17:30 DAILY WITH GARETH MALONE:www.greatbritishhomechorus.com
Useful addresses to try FREE (2)
WOODLAND TRUST (Live Osprey Cam at Loch Arkaig) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?utm_campaign=2630080_F04_14568_Members_News_260325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=woodlandtrust&MailingCode=E19THA002&dm_i=2D76,1KDDS,9KERCF,5AQF8,1
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
ENTERTAINMENT (1)
MUSICALS ON A FRIDAY NIGHT with Andrew Lloyd Webberhttps://www.facebook.com/124575513444/posts/10157962720028445/?vh=e&d=n
RESEARCH ASSIST: Help understanding of Covid-19 research (by tracking) https://covid.joinzoe.com/
HELPLINES (NHS) MENTAL HEALTHhttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
FREE BOOKLET on coping with mental health during Covid-19https://resources.unmind.com/7-areas-of-mental-wellbeing-to-nurture-while-working-in-self-isolation
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
Anita ChurchouseBSc(Hons) OH SCPHN RGN AIOSH
Independent Specialist Occupational Health Advisor
Thanks for listening