Tools to take care of yourself in the current COVID-19 outbreak
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is active in New Zealand communities and has created a time of uncertainty or perhaps even anxiety for some. There are some protective measures we can all take to minimise the worry we may experience during this time.
- Stay Connected
During uncertain times, connecting with others can provide a sense of relief and grounding. Keep in contact with loved ones, friends and colleagues to ensure a sense of normality. Maintain relationships that are important for your wellbeing and have support mechanisms in your life.
- Limit consumption of negative media channels
There is a lot of misinformation and negativity in the media currently. Consuming this information can have both a direct and indirect impact on your mental health and mood, potentially causing unnecessary angst about a situation you may not be able to control. It is important to stay informed, but ensure you are consuming information from reliable and accurate sources such as COVID-19.govt.nz and Ministry of Health.
- Concentrate on what you can control
At a time of uncertainty, it is natural to worry about a wide range of things. To minimise ruminating over things you cannot control, list your worries or concerns and think about any actions you can take to minimise or eliminate these. This will help you feel more in control and will positively impact your mental health.
- Prioritise your wellbeing
Take time to prioritise yourself and notice what your mind and body are signalling you may need. A great model is Te Whāre Tapa Wha, which depicts a person’s wellbeing as a four pillared whāre or house(external link) . When one pillar is imbalanced or missing, the whāre is unstable, and your wellbeing may be impacted. Having all four pillars balanced provides a great foundation to thrive.
The four cornerstones are:
- taha tinana | physical wellbeing
- taha hinengaro | mental wellbeing
- taha wairua | spiritual wellbeing
- taha whānau | family wellbeing.
- Ensure you are prepared(external link) for COVID-19
Being as best prepared as you can be in the case you have to isolate can help alleviate added stress on your wellbeing.
- Make sure you have an isolation plan
- Have what you need (i.e. hygiene kit, food supply, extra care and support)
- Know and share your plan – share with your household
- Reach out to friends and whanau – stay connected
If you are feeling worried or anxious, talk to your peers and/or manager about how you are feeling. It is okay to not be okay. You bring your whole self to work, and that means everyone is experiencing things differently and may find situations difficult.
Support at Fire and Emergency:
- Your peers
- Your manager
- Peer Supporters
- Region Welfare Officers
- Vitae Services Ph 0508664981 or go to www.vitae.co.nz
- Health and Safety Advocates
- Health and Safety Representatives
- Regional Safety, Health and Wellbeing Advisors
- Panel of Psychologists (by referral)
Tools and Resources:
- COVID-19.govt.nz
- Mental Health Foundation
- co.nz
- KYND App
- Free call or text 1737
- Lifeline 0800 543 354
- Suicide and Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Anxiety New Zealand
- 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
- Youthline www.youthline.co.nz or 0800 376 633
- CO.NZ or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
- ORG.NZ
- Mindtools
- Wellplace.nz