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.

WellSouth health educator Jo O’Connor says there’s no ‘How to Deal with a Lockdown 101’ textbook, but fortunately there's loads of science behind looking after our wellbeing. 

Doing simple things to improve our mental health, she says, is proven to build resilience and make us feel good.

It can be as easy as remembering to connect with the people in our lives, and creating some space for our own health and well-being.

Whether it’s checking in with a friend, having a kōrero over the phone, or saying hello to a neighbour, a little chat can go a long way. On its website, the Mental Health Foundation stresses those little, everyday conversations we have are surprisingly important to our health.

During lockdowns, we miss the other parents we say ‘Hi!” to at school drop-off, exchanging smiles at the supermarket with someone we barely know, daily banter at the local coffee shop. 

Sociologists call these relationships ‘weak ties’. Studies have shown these connections improve our well-being by helping us feel connected with social groups outside of our own. 

Research also shows we’re likely to feel less lonely if we have a good range of weak ties.

In 2020 Central Otago found innovative ways to maintain these connections. 5 o’clock drinks at the gate, carefully distanced conversations with fellow dog walkers, live video exercise classes with the opportunity for everyone to chat afterwards.

Staying socially engaged, no matter who we are, is integral to our happiness.

It’s also important to keep in touch with those we are closer to. The chats we have with a friend or family member who is not in our bubble are important to maintain.

What of those in our bubble? Often these people are who we have strong bonds with.

However, being stuck at home creates opportunities for people to get on each other’s nerves, especially since we often take out our frustrations on the ones we love. Additional challenges such as loss of income or trying to manage additional childcare can amplify the stress of the situation.

Looking after ourselves first can make all the difference to how we react to others.

Exercise is important. Even just a ten minute walk around the block, taking five slow deep breaths, or doing a few yoga stretches can change your mood.

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing is a group that was set up in direct response to community-wide mental health impacts being seen as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

The group uses its extensive professional and personal networks to work together on ways of tackling the mental wellbeing effects occurring in our communities.

Over the past year the group has established a mental wellbeing navigator role so people can be better connected with local mental health and wellbeing support. They supported the national ’Access and Choice’ mental health initiative, now active in Alexandra and Cromwell.

A Mental Health 101 psychological first aid programme is now in place, raising local awareness of the free 1737 counselling support helpline and the ‘Getting Through Together’ campaign.

Thanks to the group, we all now have improved online access ​​to detailed information about health and wellbeing services.

Jo emphasised the most important message to get out to the people in our communities is to take it easy with people, we don’t always know what’s going on in their lives.

“Let’s keep up the kindness, look after each other, and do what it takes to get through together. People are doing their best.

“It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, lonely, overwhelmed or a bit over it right now. You’re not alone. 

“But we’ve been here before and know what to do – together we can do it again, so look after yourselves and each other. 

“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 here. Health/Wellbeing

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]

Image Mary Hinsen