Self-care is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own wellbeing and happiness, in particular during periods of stress”.

Keeping yourself well to manage the stress and insecurities that come with change is essential. When we are stressed, we usually stop doing the things we normally do to keep ourselves well. Engaging in holistic self-care practices that target all areas of wellbeing will help manage feelings of stress, anxiety or distress associated with COVID-19.  

Be in tune to your 'fear and stress thermometer' to enable you to recognise your own warning signs. 

Examples include:

• Irritability
• Losing patience
• A sense of urgency
• Difficulty sleeping
• Inability to focus
• Catastrophic thinking
• Ruminating
• Eating or drinking more than usual
  

If you start to see your warning signs pop-up, make sure you continue to engage in your self-care practices, and seek support!

Phone or online counselling support services

• Your Local government's employee assistance program
• Beyond Blue - online and phone mental health support. Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Beyond Blue online chat.
  
• Lifeline - provides crisis counselling and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Lifeline online chat.
  

Helpful resources and support include

• Beyond Blue – Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• Australian Psychological Society – Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety
• Headspace – How to cope with stress related to coronavirus (COVID-19)
  
• Black Dog Institute - Coronavirus Anxiety Resources
• Smiling Mind – Supporting yourself and others through Coronavirus