2020 has been a tough year to work in healthcare, which is why it has become essential that mental health doesn’t get forgotten. Uncertainty has been one of the defining features of the pandemic and, although there are vaccines for COVID-19 on the horizon, it’s clear that it will be some months before we start seeing the world go back to normal. Therefore, with winter now looming, we here at Last Call Healthcare have put together a list of ways in which you can look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Speak up if you feel like you’re struggling - One of the positives to come from the pandemic has been a greater willingness to open up and ask for help when things aren’t going well. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, loneliness, grief or anxiety; there will be a solution. As soon as you start to feel like you’re not coping, reach out to family, friends or one of the many mental health organisations that are out there to help clear your mind and start taking positive steps towards a healthier life.
 
Take care of the basics - Exercise and sleep are essential for all, and if you’re not getting enough of either, then this could be negatively impacting your mental health. Try to make sure that you’re getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day - being outside, whether that is walking or running, is also very beneficial. A healthy sleep can be the first thing to suffer when anxiety kicks in. If you’re not sleeping well, then try some new routines, such as not watching TV in bed or doing relaxation exercises before you go to sleep to help clear your mind.
 
Maintaining a routine - Having a regular daily routine that you stick to can help you to focus on and achieve any of the current goals you have set out. Moreover, having a structure in your life can prevent you from falling into a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn could negatively affect your mental health.
 
Stay connected - Even if you’re working long hours with other healthcare staff you may be so busy that there isn’t much time to stop and chat. Make sure you are creating moments for connection, whether that’s a video call with your family, a socially distanced coffee with a work mate or regular emails with friends.
 
Looking at the positives - If you’re working in healthcare right now, you might be under a lot of pressure in regards to performing at such a critical period during the pandemic. However, with this comes many opportunities for you to grow and progress within your position. Try to identify the positives that could potentially arise from the current situation and focus on these when you can to get you through times of hardship.
 
Give yourself some ‘me’ time – Taking the time out to ensure that you can unwind and relax even if you’re working long hours is crucial for maintaining a healthy state of mind. Try to schedule in a 30 minute period each day where you can take time to focus on yourself. For example, try meditation, exercise or plan more nutritious meals to help benefit your physical health alongside your mental frame of mind.
 
Celebrate the small wins - These happen every day, but in challenging times, it’s all too easy to overlook them. These could include an array of things, such as navigating a hard situation at work to getting to bed on time - notice when things go well and reward yourself for these wins to gain a mental boost.
 
There have been many obstacles that have arisen this year that will have negatively affected our mental health. Following the steps that we have outlined in this article will provide you with a strong foundation for monitoring and nurturing your mental health in the months to come, ensuring that you and your loved ones can stay positive during such challenging times.