Overview
Hey friends,
Happy hump day! Two more days until the weekend (phew!)
Today’s article shares 5 ways that healthcare workers (HCWs) and high risk workers and stay safe (and sane) during lockdown. This one is for all my colleagues around the country who are currently in lockdown.
1. Leave the Covid Chat at Work
2. Restrict your Media consumption
3. Distraction Distraction Distraction
4. Connect with family and friends
5. Move!
Introduction
Lockdowns are the new norm around Australia.
The past few weeks have seen much of the east coast of Australia plunged into lockdown as cases of the covid-19 delta variant emerge around the country.
We seem to be in the same position we were 18 months ago with various states and territories entering lockdown as soon as a whiff of covid-19 is detected.
Lockdowns have a HUGE economical, medical, physical and emotional toll on EVERYONE. Businesses shut down, schools switch to online learning and hospitality services are reduced to take-away only.
However, lockdowns can be especially difficult for health professionals and those working in covid-19 exposure areas. These include doctors (at all stages of training), medical students, nurses, allied health, administrative officers, environmental and food service officers, security guards and quarantine workers (just to name a few).
Not only is there a great deal of uncertainty with every single day and changing guidelines / recommendations /rules. For those who are directly caring for covid-19 positive patients, there is a heightened anxiety about contracting the disease yourself and spreading it to your loved ones.
So, in light of that, I thought I would share some tips that all high risk workers can utilise to help them stay safe and sane during lockdowns.
1. Leave the Covid-Chat at Work
Where we once used to discuss the weather as part of workplace small talk, we now discuss covid-19 case numbers and vaccination rates. This is magnified tenfold in healthcare settings where Covid-19 has now become integrated into the day-to-day activities such as ward rounds, lunch breaks and teaching sessions.
Constant Covid-related discussion can be exhausting and draining. Whilst it is unavoidable at work, it can be avoided once you’ve finished your shift. If you are feeling a sense of pandemic fatigue, try and actively avoid discussing covid in social situations or with your family and friends.
So leave the Covid chat at work. It will still be there tomorrow.
2. Restrict Your Media Consumption
Stop doom-scrolling on twitter.
Stop refreshing ABC news every 2 minutes.
Mute the work WhatsApp chat.
Covid-related media has a tendency to creep into our lives. Its all over social media, its on the TV, radio, podcasts, print media and can be very hard to escape. Whilst it is important to stay informed and abreast of the current situation, it’s important to put personal boundaries in place.
You can use social media filters such as Offtime or Freedom to prevent getting easily distracted. Another option is to have a social media cleanse altogether and delete the offending apps (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
3. Distraction Distraction Distraction
Practice the art of distraction after a long day of work. Now is the time to occupy your brain with non-Covid related things.
Emulate Tom Daley and take up knitting or tune into the Paralympic games which will be starting in a few weeks. Why not treat yourself to some trashy Netflix? Read a book? Cook a meal?
Distraction is your friend in the Covid-era. Your brain will thank you for the welcome reprieve.
4. Connect with family & friends
Maintaining meaningful social connections during lockdown is REALLY important. There is a strong sense of isolation that can come with being restricted to the 4 walls of your home or the hospital/clinic that you work in. This is especially true for health care workers and high risk workers who may be geographically isolated from their loved ones.
Use technology to WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype or Zoom those near and dear to you. Have a Netflix party with your friends. Do something that makes you feel connected to others.
5. Move!!
Exercise has proven benefits for your mind and body. Lockdown still means you can go for a walk / jog / run outside as long as you socially distance. Use this precious reprieve from being cooped up all day to get some sunshine and fresh air.
If you’re having trouble finding the motivation to exercise, why not just take some fresh air in on the balcony or read a book on your front porch.
Final Thoughts
The reality is that Covid is not going anywhere. We are playing the long-game here people. The virus that is eponymous with 2019 is still causing drama in 2021.
It’s important that we look after our mind and body during the pandemic, especially if you are a health professional or high risk worker. I hope these 5 tips have reminded you about ways to stay sane (and safe) during your lockdown.
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