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2 Eat well - Choosing healthy foods not only feeds our body, it feeds your mind as well. Spending more time at home can easily lead to unhealthy habits. But making small changes at first is a good way to start to address your overall diet, as you are more likely to stick to them.
Try these simple swaps to get you started on a healthy eating plan:
• Swap processed snacks that are
high in sugar for fresh food options like fruit, vegetables, unsalted nuts and yoghurt with active cultures.
• Swap white bread for a wholegrain option that’s higher in fibre.
• Swap processed meats for oily fish, like tuna, salmon and sardines for the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your brain.
3 Get a good night's sleep - You may have already noticed that not getting enough sleep leaves you feeling irritable and not as well equipped to deal with the challenges of self-isolation. Although the relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet clearly understood by science, it is thought that a good night’s sleep helps facilitate mental resilience.
4 Increase your water intake
The stress of a global health crisis can lead to increasing consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Increasing your consumption of either of these substances can result in negative health implications over time, which
can increase the amount of stress you experience. Drinking water, on the other hand, stops us from becoming dehydrated. Even at low levels, dehydration can affect the way we think and feel. Hydration is also an important factor in keeping your immune system strong.
5 Take time to relax - During self-isolation, take time each day to do something positive that relaxes you. For some
this may be listening to calming music, painting, walking the dog or gardening. And for some, practicing simple breathing exercises or yoga does the trick. You don’t need to spend hours on relaxation activities to see the benefits. Adding 10-30 minutes to your daily routine can have a positive effect on reducing stress. Find what works for you.
6 Stay socially connected - One of the best ways to address stress is often just to
talk about it. Stress is often the cause of a range of issues in our lives – whether it is COVID-19 related, or an everyday problem with family or friends. Talking through the issue with someone trustworthy who will hear and be empathetic to your situation can help – even if done over the phone. You may find you gain some perspective and consider possible solutions to the stress you are experiencing.
Let’s look after one another during the pandemic and throughout the year. Share these tips, start the conversation and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. No matter how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting you, Beyond Blue has developed a range of information, strategies and expert advice to help support your social and emotional wellbeing.
You can contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service by calling 1800 512 348, or visiting https://coronavirus. beyondblue.org.au
allcare gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Beyond Blue in developing this article.
allcare Connect newsletter Winter 2020 9