The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and continues to impact our mental health and wellbeing.
Feelings of anxiety, distress and concern are normal. However, there are several steps you can take to look after your mental health.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Form a daily routine and plan activities that you enjoy, such as watching movies and engaging in your interests and hobbies.
Stay active — set up an exercise routine to keep you physically fit and decrease stress.
Eat well — a healthy diet will benefit your mind as well as your body.
Stay connected with your family and friends — if you can’t meet in person, you can remain in contact using phone, chat, email or video calls.
Stay informed
Get information from reliable, trusted sources to learn the precautions you need to take to stay healthy. You can find information on the COVID-19 support page of the Australian Government’s Head to Health initiative.
Stay positive
Look forward — while the pandemic is difficult, it will pass.
Be mindful about the way you 'talk' to yourself. Change negative self-talk to be more constructive and helpful. You can challenge your negative thoughts by asking yourself what you would say to a friend in the same situation.
Turn off the ‘noise’ — when people talk about their worries, it can create more stress. Turn off the ‘noise’ by taking time out from the news and social media and by keeping your distance from people who create stress.