Looking after your mental health
It’s natural to feel worried in unpredictable times. Try to keep things in perspective - public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the best possible care for those affected.
If you’re frequently having intrusive and negative thoughts, take a moment to assess how realistic these truly are. Reframing negative or unhelpful thoughts into more realistic statements can help you maintain a healthy dose of optimism.
Try mindfulness and meditation
At its core it's the philosophy of living in the moment, from moment to moment, rather than worrying about the future and ruminating on the past. By developing breathing techniques and practicing simple visualisations practitioners learn to experience and enjoy the here and now.
Mindfulness and meditation can be really helpful tools for managing stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. If you’ve never tried them before, it’s easier than ever to get started. There are lots of resources available online:
Of course, if you find it more peaceful to be away from technology, try simply sitting comfortably in a quiet space for 5 to 10 minutes with your eyes closed, focusing on your breath and breathing slowly.
Useful resources
You might find the following resources helpful:
