Mind your head
by Róisín McKane
 
HSE clinical psychologist Dr Lasairíona McGuinness gave us some useful advice to help us mind our minds during this Covid-crisis. 
HSE clinical psychologist Dr Lasairíona McGuinness gave us some useful advice to help us mind our minds during this Covid-crisis. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has totally changed the way we live our lives. It’s brought uncertainty, altered daily routines, and added to financial pressures for many. Then there’s the social isolation.

 

As we continue to fight this pandemic, many of us are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness.

 

We have to find ways to manage our mental health as we navigate our way through this new normal. 

 

We spoke to HSE clinical psychologist Dr Lasairíona McGuinness, who gave us some useful advice to help us mind our minds during this Covid-crisis. 

 

Feed the brain

Dr McGuiness explained the impact of completing small tasks or activities each day. “This can increase our sense of being in control, of mastery, and feelings of joy,” she said.

 

“We’ve excellent problem solving skills and creativity, and we can use these to keep our brains and bodies alive and active.”

 

Self care

“Feeling anxious is natural during this unsettling and uncertain time. “These feelings may be unpleasant, but it is good to know that we need a healthy amount of anxiety to drive us into action so that we are kept alert, safe and well,” says Dr McGuinness.

 

She recommends turning these emotions into conversations, and asking for support if needed. “Sharing how we feel with those we trust, and listening to our loved ones, can also have positive effects on our emotion systems,” she said.

 

McGuinness also emphasises the importance of good diet, exercise and getting good quality sleep during this pandemic. “Do your best to sleep well,” she stresses.

 

“Make sure to exercise every day, within the government restrictions. Eat and drink healthily every day. Avoid too much alcohol. The occasional treat is fine, but keep unhealthy food as the exception. And avoid recreational drugs”.

 

Stay connected

In a time of social distancing, it’s essential to find ways to stay in contact with others. Dr McGuinness recommends finding time each day to make virtual connections by email, texts, phone, or apps.

“It’s never been so easy to do this via technology,” she says. “Pick up the phone, set up a video call, write a postcard or letter. Communicating with people we care about will help them, and us, feel better.”

 

Social media

“It is normal to be curious,” says Dr McGuinness. “For some of us that might mean scrolling endlessly through our social media feeds for news updates, or turning on the television to watch the news at every hour. But if we do too much of this, it can fuel anxiety,” she warns.

 

Dr McGuinness suggests that we find a balance to stay informed while avoiding rumours.

 

She recommends reliable news sources like the HSE website, or RTÉ. And she says we should limit our social media time. “This will prevent other people’s fears and worries becoming our own,” she says.

 

If you’re struggling with your mental health or wellbeing you can get advice HERE and HERE.

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