COVID-19 and 2020 in general have taken a toll on everyone’s mental and physical health. Here are some easy self-care tips you can follow to help your mind and body.
1. Stay connected
Covid-19 has caused families and friends all around the world to be separated for extended periods of time. Newcomers are especially at risk of increased feelings of homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Try to talk to your loved ones and check upon them. This can help you feel calm and grounded.
2. Pause and introspect
As much as being in touch with the people in our life is important, it is also necessary to pause and decompress. Take some time every day to spend time with yourself; wellness starts with you.
Try different things to help you unwind; practice deep breathing, write your thoughts down and get in touch with your feelings
3. Accept the things that are beyond your control
2020 has given us all more than usual reasons to worry about the health and well-being of our loved ones.
Accept that it’s okay to be worried about family and friends, especially the ones far away back home. Check up on them regularly, but don’t forget to take care of yourself first. If things become too overwhelming, consider therapy.
There are many organizations and health professionals that offer specialized mental health services to guide newcomers. You can check To find out more check out Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre’s mental health services here. If you or someone you know could benefit from some help, do not wait to reach out.
4. Try volunteering
Many newcomers often feel lost after moving to a new place or while they are looking for jobs. Volunteering is a good way to adjust and contribute to a new community and can help feel a sense of belonging within an organization, get some experience, help someone, and also make new connections. Here is a list of volunteering opportunities during Covid-19 in different provinces.
5. The classic trifecta: Eating-Sleeping-Exercising right
With all the stress of moving to a new place, overcoming past and current barriers, it is important to not overlook the major impacts of eating right, having a good sleep routine, and remaining active. Even light physical movement like walking can help in maintaining better mental and physical health.
6. Make a To-do list
Make a to-do list for yourself to keep you on track. This will help you follow a list that you can check things off of and celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small.
Lastly, don’t discredit small growth in everyday things. Learning how to use public transportation, how to buy a bus pass, buying groceries, getting around town, are all important things that you should be proud of for figuring out!
