How to Cope During Isolation

It's normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or anxious during times of crisis. Try to focus on what you can control, and allow your emotions to come and go like a wave. Here are helpful tips on how you can take care of your mental health and well-being during a difficult time.

If you need immediate help, there are a variety of mental health supports available in our communities.

  • Stay connected
    • Schedule regular phone calls, email or video chats with friends and loved ones
    • Share your feelings and concerns, but also make time to laugh, share stories and focus on other things going on in your life
  • Keep up with self-care
    • Eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep
    • Take deep breaths - try breathing in deeply, counting to three, hold for a count of three, then slowly breathe out counting to three
    • Take a long bath or shower
  • Keep a schedule
    • Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
    • Add a variety of activities to your day so it does not always feel the same. A variety will boost your mood and keep your motivated.
    • Consider setting an alarm or using a whiteboard with prompts to keep you on schedule
  • Be mindful
    • Avoid talking to people who tend to be negative or cause you to worry
    • Turn to those who are thoughtful, level-headed and who are good listeners
  • Set small goals
    • Use this time to do something that you did not previously have time to do
    • Learn a new skill, hobby or get a job done around the house that you have been putting off
  • Get fresh air
    • Spend time in your garden, pot plants, set-up bird feeders, or do other outdoor activities that you enjoy
  • Manage your emotions and thoughts
    • Remind yourself to take "one day at a time"
    • Try not to focus on the "what-ifs"
    • Set aside "worry time" to only 15 minutes a day
    • When feeling anxious, write down what your are thinking. Then ask yourself:
      • Is this thought true?
      • How do I know if it's true?
      • How have I coped with stressful situation in the past?
      • What was the end result?
  • Stay informed
    • Get information and updates from Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services on the COVID-19 pandemic
    • The news can be draining, so be sure to take breaks and recharge - listen to music, do a crossword puzzle / word search or read a good book
  • Minimize substance use
    • If you use substances, try to minimize your use and be sure to practice safer use and good hygiene
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