Are you working from home? Today is my first day with this experience. My husband is working from home, kids are schooling from home, and this creates an interesting atmosphere. Taking care of our mental health and wellness continues to play a vital role in our lives, especially while working from home.
Here are some things to consider:
- Volunteering: I know it sounds strange while social distancing, but it is possible to do so safely. This is an engaging activity that helps your mental health.
- CrowdSource Rescue is currently organizing volunteers to help conduct no-contact food deliveries to high-risk populations.
- The Houston Food Bank is calling for people to help sort food in a safe social distancing environment.
- Acknowledging challenges: I know we are all concerned about our finances right now. The restaurant industry, in particular, is vulnerable in this climate.
Did you know our local chef Chris Shepherd established the Southern Smoke Foundation in 2015? It focuses on assisting workers in the food and beverage industry. They are receiving calls across the nation to help with financial aid and mental health support.
Visit their website to learn more.
- Go on a Sunday drive: When we were growing up, Sunday drives were common. Lately, it isn’t as common, but let’s bring it back! Here are some guidelines:
- Only take one phone, so that everyone is enjoying the nature outside from the windows!
- Avoid freeways and roads where the speed limit is high – Sunday drives are for taking it easy, driving slowly, and taking in the view.
- See if you can find a rural area.Stop often to get out and interact with nature – say “hi” to cows, climb a tree, put your feet in a small creek. This is a fun, safe way to get out of the house.
- Find humor in everyday life: Change your point of view on a frustrating matter into one of laughter. Is your technology being annoying during a conference call? Here is one of my favorite videos that pokes fun at this scenario!
Local resources to share:
- The Harris Center: Harris County’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 833-251-7544
- NAMI Texas: online support groups for people living with mental health conditions and their family members
- Call: 512-693-2000
- Email here
- For more local resources, visit the Mental Health America COVID-19 webpage.
Lastly, please share any self-care tips you may have at this time. Last week, someone shared that they work in their garden! I, on the other hand, would probably end up killing the plants.
We are all in this together! Share your resources and fun activities with me, and I can share them with our groups.
I hope these suggestions and resources are useful. Please know we are here to support you.
By Kara Hill, Director, Integrated Health Care Initiative at Mental Health America of Greater Houston