Mental Health: Why it Matters During the Coronavirus Crisis
In a time when the world is banding together to fight COVID-19, we must all take the necessary steps to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Even the strongest among us feel the stress that comes with the unknown, so it’s imperative that we find the tactics and tools needed to alleviate the anxiety that comes with events such as the coronavirus.
The medical community tells us that staying active is a great way to keep both your immune system and mental health in tip-top shape, but during times like these, it’s often hard to find the time, energy, or mental fortitude to follow this kind of advice. Sure, moving and stretching your body is a great way to get the endorphins moving, but there are also other ways to improve your mental well-being.
Club Staffing is Here for You
To help you stay mentally healthy, Club Staffing has put together a list of resources you can use to “check out” for a few minutes when the news, work, or things in your personal life seem overwhelming. As everyone has a digital device these days, why not take advantage of the Apps that are available to help us stay calm, cool and collected.
Here are some great Apps you can use to prioritize stress relief.
Try meditation
Even if you’ve never tried meditating to alleviate stress, there’s no time like the present to start. Mindfulness can be a powerful tool if you are having a hard time sleeping or relaxing during trying times. Download the following apps to help you begin this ancient practice that has its roots in cultures around the world.
- Headspace: The time has never been better for U.S.-based healthcare professionals to gain access to a free subscription. If you work in a public setting and are part of the healthcare community, you can gain FREE access to over 1,200 hours of meditations through the end of the calendar year 2020.
- Calm: Considered by some to be the #1 app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation, this “calming” App was named to Apple’s BEST of 2018 lists, Google Play Editor’s Choice for 2018 and “The World’s Happiest App” by the Center for Humane Technology.
- Breethe: This app’s motto, “Inner Wellness, All Day” is ideal for when stress, anxiety or sleepless nights leave you feeling deflated. It will help you bounce back when you’re feeling down and help you regain a happy, natural state of being.
Meditating is not for everyone
If meditating is not your cup of tea, you can always get into the habit of putting your thoughts down on paper. As long as you have a paper and pen, you can pour your heart out, documenting the way you’re feeling and the little things that made you feel better.
Write about the new tea that gave you a feeling of well-being or take the time to reflect on how a long walk you took made you feel happy and one with nature. The sound of birds chirping and the wind rustling through the trees are often overlooked in our busy lives.
“Get back to nature” as they say even if it just means sitting on your porch or watching the birds come and go on a birdfeeder through your bedroom window.
Reconnect with family or friends
As social distancing is now an important part of curbing the spread of the coronavirus, there’s no better time to use Skype or Facetime to connect with friends or family members. Talk about memories you made in the past, such as family get-togethers or the time you rented a cabin and played board games late into the night.
During times of uncertainty, we all have a memory bank of the simple things that brought us joy. Replay them in your head and know that we will all get through this together.
Disconnect from the news
With today’s 24/7 news cycle, it’s easy to have the TV playing around the clock. While it’s good to stay up on the latest developments, it can also take a toll on your mental well-being.
Disconnect for a few hours and take a moment to thrive in the solitude of your own thoughts. Organize your scrapbook or dive into a new recipe that you’ve always wanted to try.
Find new fitness
We all know that keeping fitness in our daily lives is important, but with gyms around the country shuttered for the time being and social distancing a must, there’s no better way to stay active than to turn to the digital realm. You’ll find lots of exercise videos online, including thousands of free home workouts on YouTube. Here are some great ideas to help you disconnect and get those endorphins moving.
- Yoga with Adriene: This yoga sequence is ideal for those seeking to relax and relieve anxiety. It’s fun, slow-paced, and great for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
- PopSugar: Find this 30-minute, no-equipment exercise ideal to keep your cardio routine going strong. According to the channel, this routine will help you torch calories with no equipment needed. Three circuits get your heart rate up and will have you feeling the burn.
- The 7-Minute Workout: Okay, we can all find 7 minutes even in the most hectic of times. Use these 12 simple exercises that deploy only body weight, a wall and a chair.
Say Hello to Our Furry, Feathered and Scaly Friends
Did you know that many zoos live stream videos from the animals they have on exhibit? Hospitals and other healthcare facilities often use these services as ways to calm patients during trying times. It’s really easy to “swim with the fish” or “hang out with a Giraffe” with these great options:
- Home Safari: The Cincinnati Zoo offers live streams from their amazing zoo beginning at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time daily. Tune in to tune out the stressors you may be feeling because of the coronavirus.
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium: Choose from the Live Jellyfish Cam, The Shark Cam, or the Live African Penguin Cam to break up your day. This is also a great way to get the children in your life to become more curious about the amazing world around us. Ask questions about the animals you’re watching and let the kids dive into the internet to find answers.
- Smithsonian National Zoo: Ready to see how the Giant Pandas live? There’s no better way to watch Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. While you watch them chomp on bamboo, play in trees and tumble in the grass, you’ll experience the wonder of these beloved animals. The Zoo’s website also has some amazing articles and resources you can read to learn all about these exotic animals.
When Times Get Tough, Allied Clinicians Get Tougher
As an allied clinician, you are at the heart of healthcare. You’re tough when you need to be but always have a gentle touch when patients need you. Stay safe and as stress-free as possible and we will get through this together.
Completing your Club Staffing application will help us place you faster. Get started now.
Let’s work together to help patients across the country.
