Covid-19 outbreaks and ensuing lockdowns may be part of our on-going future; it is becoming increasingly important to take care of our health and well-being and that of others.

In the third instalment of advice on taking care of ourselves and others through lockdowns, WellSouth health educator Jo O’Connor gives us two important suggestions for looking after our own wellbeing.

Keep up your normal routines, where you can.

Having a little structure and normality in your day can help lower stress levels and give a greater sense of control, she says.

“Be active, get out in the garden. Do what you’d normally do where you can.”

Make meals at the usual times, and share them with friends and family over video to make it feel like they’re visiting is another suggestion from the Mental health Foundation.

If you can’t stick to your normal routines, they say, develop a routine for this situation, and stick to it each day.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones well is really important so try to keep your daily routine as normal as possible and make time to do things that you enjoy. It could be a DIY project, going for a walk, reading a book, watching cute animal videos, phoning a friend, baking or doing arts and crafts.

Take breaks from news and social media.

“It’s important to stay informed but not overwhelm yourself, so consider limiting your news intake to checking trusted sources three times a day - morning, the daily update, and early evening,” she says.

A recent article published in Psychology Today suggested we should create a habit of checking in with ourselves before accessing news sources.

Before we access the news, making a commitment to identify our emotional state and taking at least one action to address it first, can help.

If we are already anxious, taking three to four deep breaths and naming at least one thing we are grateful for before tuning in, will go a long way toward approaching the news from a place of grounding, the psychologists say.

Get perspective.

The news is going to be constantly changing over the next while. Taking specific breaks away from all media may mean we occasionally miss something the moment it is announced – but it won’t necessarily put us at risk.

In fact, the research shows consistent times away from media will help us be able to synthesize new information when we return and give us the resources we need to manage our emotions when doing so.

And if you need to talk to someone, free call or text 1737 anytime to reach a trained counsellor.

The Central App has put resources, links and useful information all together in one place to make it easy for you. To read more, click COVID-19

There’s information about local health and social services online or if you’re after some wellbeing tips, check out www.allright.org.nz or follow them on Facebook.

There is a range of financial support for businesses and individuals available.

Immediate safety

If you feel scared, threatened, or unsafe, please call the Police via 111. 

If you can’t call, message a friend and ask them to call on your behalf. You can leave your bubble if you’re worried about your safety.  

If you need to talk, you can call: Family violence information line 0800 456 450; Youthline on 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected]; Safe to Talk sexual harm helpline 0800 044334, text 4334, email [email protected]