I assumed that my first post was going to be about one of my passions – starting to lose weight, ways to manage anxiety, adding more exercise into your day. Instead, I find myself thinking about how we manage the COVID-19 outbreak in our community. I understand there is a high level of anxiety, there is so much that is unknown at this time, and we are looking to the leaders in our community for advice.
We know that simple measures like washing hands, keeping 1.5m between us and our colleagues, staying home when we can all reduce the risk of rapid spread of the virus. This is really what we are hoping for – a gradual spread through the community rather than lots of people ending up sick at the same time, straining our hospitals (which as we know, get regularly pushed to capacity). For those at home, putting space between us and our friends/family does mean that we need to focus on actions to support mental health.
Some things to try at home
- facetime or Skype friends and family to keep that social connection
- send a video of love – record it and press send
- online games with friends, (I recommend a friendly game of Cashflow or Scrabble), all watching the same Netflix movie at the same time, group baking (who nailed it?)
- daily exercise via an online yoga app or Youtube, Freeletics, simple body weight activities or a walk around the yard
- cuddle the dog or cat
- catch up on some online education or professional development
- clean out the cupboard that you have been avoiding
- make repairs – learn to darn some socks, sew on the missing buttons, sew up the rip
If you are sick, please keep up to date with Health Authority websites and recommendations, call ahead before visiting the GP so that we can make a plan for your arrival.
Stay safe.
Dr Kerrie Aust 