It is totally understandable that psychological distress is now at an all-time high across Australia. And that’s very concerning as we know severe and prolonged stress has significant impacts. It’s therefore more important than ever to make managing emotional wellbeing a #1 priority.
There are important steps you can take to help reset your neurological system and build resilience during difficult times.
Here’s five emotional self-care tips to help you get started;
Top Five Tips For Managing Emotional Wellbeing
1: Make mental health a priority.
The current restrictions such as social distancing, limitations on leaving the house and public gatherings are increasing stress and anxiety. We know maintaining social connections is a key factor for health and happiness. If you are feeling lonely and isolated reaching out to family, friends, and your community is crucial.
2: Reduce external stressors to calm a frazzled nervous system.
Make time to heal a frazzled nervous system. Some practical strategies include meditation, prayer, breathwork, or simply sitting in nature. Calming techniques allow us to move out of the hard-wired ‘flight or fight’ nervous system response that exhausts us when constantly triggered.
One of the best ways to calm the nervous system is to take a break from all media and the endless news cycle that fuels feelings of fear and frustration.
3. Get good quality sleep.
Deep restorative sleep is an opportunity for the body to fully shut down, and enter a state of complete relaxation. Aim to get 6-8 hours of quality sleep to help your mind and body rest and recover. Your bedroom should also be a healing sanctuary, free of any type of electronic devices.
4. Take your nutritional supplements.
Even with the most balanced diet it’s difficult to get all the essential nutrients you need from food sources, especially when you are under enormous stress. And for those living with thyroid dysfunction it’s extra important to top up on vitamins and minerals to support immunity. The chief micronutrients that help maintain immune system health include vitamins A and C, D3, zinc, selenium, magnesium, B6, B12 and folate.
5. Stay active, eat well.
It’s true, food really is medicine both for the mind and body. And it’s all about keeping it real, keeping it simple. Even small, conscious dietary changes will have beneficial effects on creating the healthiest version of yourself. Exercising regularly is also effective in easing symptoms of stress and boosting your mood. Getting outdoors is particularly important if you feel you have been stuck inside for too long.
Summary
We are certainly living through challenging times and it is a stressful time for all of us. With this in mind, this is a timely reminder to take your thyroid medication as prescribed, ensure you take your nutritional supplements as recommended, eat well, stay active, connect with others, and take time out for self-care practices that help you de-stress.
Seek Help
If you are struggling to cope, get immediate help. Support is always there for you if you need it from your medical doctor, or Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348 and Lifeline Australia on 13 11 44.
References
Lahav Y. Psychological distress related to COVID-19 – The contribution of continuous traumatic stress. J Affect Disord. 2020;277:129-137. Link
Xiong J, Lipsitz O, Nasri F, Lui LMW, Gill H, Phan L, Chen-Li D, Iacobucci M, Ho R, Majeed A, McIntyre RS. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population: A systematic review. J Affect Disord. 2020 Dec 1;277:55-64. Link
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