Written by Burn Bright team member Sarah Ashton.
It can feel like a stressful time for some of us with the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious with all of the information out there. It is important for us to take care of ourselves and others during this challenging time. During this challenging time, Burn Bright has started to run online programs for young people (for more info click HERE) to make sure we all can continue to grow in all areas, however we also thought it was important to share our ABC’s or some of the things we can start doing in our daily lives and encouraging others to do the same, to alleviate some of those stresses.
Attention & Awareness
Pay close attention to your mind and be aware of what might be clouding your brain and how you can declutter some of those thoughts. Remember to take break from new stories and social media posts containing information about the Coronavirus. It’s important to maintain perspective, although research can be helpful in this time there is a lot of misinformation out there that can bring upon unnecessary stress. Take the time to unwind and do something for yourself, making the most of your time at home if you have been advised to limit social interaction.
Top Tip: Maybe that means picking up that book you told yourself you’d read as a New Year’s resolution.
Body
Looking after our physical health can sometimes be the first thing we forget about when feeling anxious or stressed. There is so much evidence that supports the fact that practicing physical activity and health helps to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. Continue to exercise, eat well and maintain a good sleep schedule as some of the basics. Try meditation, stretching and go for a walk outside to ground yourself and grab some fresh air if you can.
Top Tip: The Team at Burn Bright love a bit of Fitness Marshall from time to time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiAKSZfbHKg
Connect
One of the most important things you can do for yourself whenever you may be feeling overwhelmed is reaching out to your support network. Connect with your friends and family and make time for those relationships. If you are feeling stressed or confused by the impact of COVID-19, communicate those concerns with the people around you. They may be able to offer some comfort and above all just be there to listen to your worries and thoughts. If you have been advised to stay home and distance yourself socially, take advantage of your social platforms. Whether that be Snapchat, text, Dm’s or even emails the more we talk with one another and check in with those around us the more our mental health will benefit.
Top Tip: Follow us on TikTok, share our videos with your mates and feel free to have a good chuckle.
Do something for others
Doing something for others is not only a good thing for them it actually makes us healthier and happier. It is easy to get swept up in all of the noise surrounding us at the moment so taking some time out of our lives to show kindness to someone else, has the ability to make an incredible impact on someone by making someone’s day and bringing a little more joy into their lives. Call someone you love and let them know, too often we forget about how much this means to those in our lives. Buy someone a coffee, do a chore around the house to help your family, smile and say hello to anyone you pass. All of these little things are the things you can start doing immediately that will brighten someone’s day and get you feeling good too.
Top Tip: Make sure you reach out to the people you think may be feeling some stress. You will open up a conversation and can be there to support and lean on one another.
Remember that everyone will be affected in different ways stemming from the Coronavirus. Validating yours and others’ thoughts and emotions is an important part of this process. Having that awareness and trying your best to maintain a healthy routine will help to guide you through. If at any point you feel as though it is all becoming too much, go back to your ABCD’s, take a breath and know that everything will be alright.
