Learning to live in a world changed by COVID-19

As we transition from one phase of COVID-19 to another, it is understandable if you feel increased stress and anxiety as the occupations in our daily routines shift to include increased socialisation once again. There are a few key strategies below to help manage our activities through our daily occupations.

• Plan

  Use a planner to draw out a manageable and satisfying routine. This may involve returning to an old routine that once supported positive mental wellbeing, or making changes to create a new routine.
  
  Use tools that you are most comfortable with; for example, the calendar on your phone, the calendar or chalk board on your kitchen wall, or a small diary tucked into a bag or pocket.

  Grade the level of activity to suit the level you feel you are at: start by planning one leisure, one self-care and one work activity each day and then, gradually, as you feel able, increase this by adding in more activities.
  
  Download this handy planner to get you started.

• Know your limits

  Be mindful that we all have a different vulnerability to stress and that this changes constantly over our lifetime, depending on what is happening in our world. For example, after a holiday we are more likely to have a higher ability to manage stress than we do before we go.
  
  We need to take time in our routine to think about what activities we are able for when planning our routines. We need to assess our ability to take on new or extra activities and to think if we have the mental capacity to manage these activities.
  
  When planning our routines, we may need to prioritise certain responsibilities such as childcare, caring for an elderly relative or work-related tasks. After these tasks are planned into our routines, we need to carefully choose how we spend whatever time and mental capacity we have left.

• Practice saying no

  Sometimes our families, friends or colleagues offer advice as to how best we should organise our routines and use our time.
  
  Remember that you are the expert in what works for you and what activity balance supports your mental health. When invited to take part in things that do not fit with your balanced routine, it is ok to say no.
  
  As toddlers, we use the word “no” easily, but, as adults, we are often too polite to say no. Practice using the word “no” to mind your mental health. It is not selfish or lazy to spend your time in a way that maintains positive mental health; it allows you to follow a path that is supportive of your wellbeing.

• Protect your time

  Cultivate an environment at work and at home that is supportive, optimistic and respectful.  
  
  Be observant of the activities that excite and satisfy you and the activities that drain you.
  
  Reflect on your routine and explore if there are activities which you can let go of to reduce stress in your routine.
  
  Engage with activities that are both satisfying and stimulating.

  Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and encourage you on your journey to maintain positive mental health. 

• Seek support

  Seek out the support you need from family, friends and health professionals to help you to create a routine that reduces the stress and anxiety of everyday life especially in uncertain times as COVID-19’s impact continues to evolve.