Keeping a positive and good Mental Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
What happens if I lose my job during the Coronavirus Pandemic?

It is so easy to become consumed by everything that is happening in the world as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  It’s worse if you’re one of the thousands of people who have unfortunately lost their job, or feeling the financial pressure from the downturn in the economy.

It’s an increasing challenge to take a break from the constant negative news-cycle and remain positive.  However, staying positive is a core ingredient in the recipe of successfully coping through a crisis period.

The continuing economic fallout from the outbreak which is resulting in closed businesses, thousands of job losses, tourism stopped, and a depressed economy ultimately comes with a bleak outlook.

The anxiety from this is VERY REAL!

In these unprecedented times, it’s only natural that we feel helpless and frightening.

But how do we keep ourselves on an even emotional keel?
What steps can we take to preserve our livelihood?

This article is designed to offer some practical advice and ideas on how to keep positive, have a sense of social cohesion, and to remind you of the good in the world during these strange and ‘isolating’ times.

How to keep a POSITIVE and GOOD Mental Health during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Here are some practical things you can do to foster some positive emotions and avoid some of the global negativity.

(1). Savour the small moments:
Even during lockdown periods, you can still savour the little things like the smell of coffee, the feel of the sunshine on your face.  Doing these things gives your brain a chance to boost your serotonin which ultimately elevates your mood and sense of calmness.

(2). Strengthen your connections:
There has never been a better time to take some time out and reconnect with friends and family (Plus your relationship).  Pick up the phone and call your friends rather than just sending a txt. These actions will boost your oxytocin, a hormone that bonds people and ultimately calms you.

(3). Limit your social media time:
People will have too much time on their hands resulting in your Facebook being FULL of posts and shared articles.  By limiting your social media time, you can dramatically reduce the negativity associated with fake online articles and sensational clickbait headlines.

(4.) Take the glass half full approach:
Look for the positive as opposed to the negative view about how things really are.  It is common for a crisis to draw the worst from people. Search out the good news stories and share those. Talk to people about the positive in their situation and how to ignore things which do not relate to them personally.

(5.) Keep healthy:
Keep your immune system charged by consuming quality foods and vitamins.  Keep active with some home-based exercise routines from the free programs being posted on the internet. Get plenty of sleep and rest as your brain right now is processing a lot of information.

(6.) Keep Informed:
Source quality information about the pandemic and avoid listening to fake news channels.  Choose Government websites or less-commercial channels like the ABC.  Try listening to podcasts from leading experts and avoid the many couch-experts.

(7.) Keep abreast of your finances:
Try your best to stay on top of your finances.
The things that are not essential, cancel them.
Things you don’t need, sell them. Things you don’t need to buy, don’t.
Understand the government assistance and monetary support programs available to you.
Work with your bank and creditors to create a payment plan.
It’s important that YOU take responsibility for your finances, and do this early.

(8.) Manage your in-work:
For those still in active employment, the majority will be working from home. The key to working isolated from home to remain connected, and most importantly, keep visible to your employer. Use email and management reports to keep your employer abreast of the work you are doing and think about initiatives and projects that keep your employment viable.

If you have a business that needs help, read about our Coronavirus Business Contingency Program

(9.) Volunteer to help others in need:
There are LOTS of people in a way WORSE situation than you that would LOVE your help!
Volunteer for a charity or support group, or simply reach out to your neighbourhood via social media or a note in their letterbox to offer assistance such as picking up groceries or completing basic tasks.
You will be surprised how much happier and fulfilled you will feel helping others in need.

(10.) Acknowledge your fear:
It’s crucial that you acknowledge the fear, anxiety, or panic you are experiencing. Ask yourself honest questions like: ‘How much is Covid-19 interfering in my life, what precautions can I take, and how I can control my feelings about it?’

You are not alone.
There are specialist support groups that you can talk about how you are feeling.
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

What if I lose my job during the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Manage your out-of-work period
Difficult section to write, because there will be a lot of people reading this that no longer have a job!

Keep positive, and focus your efforts towards the various support packages that have been made available to you.

Search out the many companies offering temporary labour jobs during this period.

Think about ways you can access any holiday and sick leave payments, your superannuation, or income protection insurances that can be drawn down.

IMPORTANT: Avoid high-risk, high-interest loans (pay-day lenders).

Helping yourself during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

These simple things can help you create a ‘glass-half-full’ situation, and can potentially change your brains chemistry to build your energy to help you cope with these challenging times.

Positive emotions boost our problem-solving abilities as well as our judgment, decision-making, cognitive flexibility, and creativity.

As a community, as families and as individuals, we need to take proactive measures to ensure we’re looking after ourselves and each other during these stressful times.

It’s important that we are prepared for the tough times ahead to ensure we together, as a community, can overcome the lasting dire-impacts on our mental health and wellbeing.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Related Support Articles

Coronavirus Business Contingency & Planning Program
https://revbranding.com.au/coronavirus-business-contingency/

Marketing your Business during the Coronavirus Pandemic
https://revbranding.com.au/coronavirus-business-marketing-ideas/

How to Manage your Brand during the Coronavirus Pandemic
https://revbranding.com.au/coronavirus-brand-crisis-framework/

Australian Government Coronavirus Updates & Assistance
https://www.australia.gov.au/

If you have any questions or perhaps just seeking some advice during the Coronavirus pandemic, please do not hesitate to contact us on 03 9863-7444 or [email protected]