Edge Business School would like to offer you our support during these difficult and confusing times.
Nothing in our lifetimes could have prepared us for dealing with the current pandemic within which we find ourselves.
Below are some coping skills and suggestions for daily living taken from various articles which we hope will aid in supporting your psychological and emotional wellbeing at home.
At the end of this document we have also listed some organizations which you may contact for assistance if necessary.
TIPS FOR LOCKDOWN
Pat yourself on the back:
Accept that some anxiety and fear is normal – none of us are immune to these feelings. Try to identify and allow all of your feelings rather than deny them. Try to be kind to yourself. This includes being in tune with yourself, acknowledging your feelings and validating them.
Check in:
Take a few minutes to assess yourself every day. Check in with yourself in the mornings & evenings, asking yourself how you are. At the end of each day, reflect on your experiences and set your intentions for the following day.
Know thyself:
If you notice that you are upset or anxious, sit still for a few moments and breathe deeply into your body, imagining that you’re receiving whatever it is that you need, say peace and calm. You may even use this time to offer yourself kind affirmations such as, may I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be safe, may I live with ease.
These self-awareness exercises may be used several times a day during times of extreme stress.
Once you’ve acknowledged them to yourself, it’s helpful to share your thoughts and feelings with family or friends so that you give them the opportunity to support you.
Try to find a balance:
Now more than ever, make an effort to introduce balance into your daily life and work-space. Stay on top of things but know when to take a break.
Plan it out:
The easiest way to bring balance into your life is to set up a daily routine. Plan your work and your rest/relaxation around any other activities which you may wish, or need to complete every day. Allocating the same time each day for school work will help you to stay committed and focused.
Stay on top of your studies:
Students must ensure that you regularly log onto Google classroom to see what work has been posted so that you don’t fall behind. Follow the pacers set out by lecturers.
Body conscious:
Eat healthily, get enough sleep, exercise regularly. Stressful times can result in healthy routines being disrupted, or the development of unusual habits such as comfort eating. Try not to fall into any behavior patterns which are unhelpful for you, or your companions at home. Try to eat regular, healthy meals and snacks to keep your energy up. Getting enough sleep is of the utmost importance, however watch out not to sleep too much as this is a form of avoidance and will reduce your motivation levels.
Try to exercise more regularly when you are stressed - happy endorphins are released into your body when you exert yourself and your workout will also give you more energy. A minimum of 20 minutes 3 times per week is recommended to get these positive juices flowing. There are plenty of home exercise routines you can follow online which don’t require any equipment, just using your own body weight.
Keep up with social connections.
Do not underestimate the power of meaningful interactions. Use social media intentionally, only to keep up to date and sustain your relationships – it’s important to surround yourself with positive vibes and good news.
Distance:
Steer clear of social media forums which promote fear and panic – they are harmful for your mental health. Also be careful not to waste too much time on social media as it is often a negative distraction which can become obsessive. (When interacting with others on Whatsapp or any other social platform ask yourself, does this truly benefit me or those around me? If not, disengage).
Disconnect:
It is helpful to allocate only a limited, specific amount of time each day to being on your phone, tablet or laptop for social reasons.
Ask for support if you need it:
Again, it is normal to feel ‘not okay’ at times. It’s important to ask for help, whether it be from your family, friends or Counsellors (see below for telephonic & online support).
Think of others:
Every time you wash your hands, perhaps send out prayers/good energy for those who are less fortunate than you, who are experiencing extreme suffering during lockdown. Whilst washing quietly say, may all others be happy, may all others be healthy, may all others be safe, may all others live with ease.
We wish you courage, loving kindness, good health and all the support from your family, friends and community which you may need during this time.
Warm Regards,
Edge Business School
TELEPHONIC & ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
- SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back (available 24/7)
- SADAG Helplines free telephonic counselling & information call 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 70 80 90
- Suicide Helpline 0800 567 567
- Lifeline National Helpline 0861 322 322
- Child-line 0800 55 555
- Cipla WhatsApp chat line 076 882 2775
The SADAG website, www.sadag,org contains free online videos, reliable resources, coping skills and information on social distancing, self-isolation, etc.
