COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Editor's Note: In this week’s blog from DLA Land and Maritime’s Employee Assistance Program Manager Drew Henderson, he tackles the importance of keeping routines and finding time for self-care in this age of social distancing.
Hello Land and Maritime! For those of us who find ourselves at home way more than we’re used to, here are some thoughts on maintaining good mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS TIPS FOR SELF ISOLATION
1. Stick to a routine. Go to sleep and wake up at a reasonable time. Write a schedule that’s varied and includes time for work as well as self-care.
2. Dress for the social life you want, not the social life you have. Get showered and dressed in comfortable clothes, wash your face and brush your teeth. Take the time to do a bath or a facial. Put on some bright colors. It’s amazing how our dress can impact our mood.
3. Get out at least once a day for at least thirty minutes. If you’re concerned about contact, try first thing in the morning or later in the evening, and try less traveled streets and avenues. If you are high risk or living with those who are high risk, open the windows and blast the fan. It is amazing how much fresh air can do for spirits.
4. Find some time to move each day again daily for at least thirty minutes. If you don’t feel comfortable going outside, there are many YouTube videos that offer free movement classes like the free virtual fitness classes offered through Defense Supply Center Columbus’ Morale Welfare and Recreation Office. If all else fails, turn on the music and have a dance party!
5. Reach out to others, you guessed it, at least once daily for thirty minutes. Try to do video chats, phone calls, texting—connect with other people to seek and provide support. Don’t forget to do this for your children as well. Set up virtual playdates with friends daily – your kids miss their friends, too!
6. Stay hydrated and eat well. This one may seem obvious, but stress and eating often don’t mix well, and we find ourselves over-indulging, forgetting to eat and avoiding food. Drink plenty of water, eat some good and nutritious foods, and challenge yourself to learn how to cook something new!
DLA LAND AND MARITIME EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program is a structured approach for helping employees and their families identify and resolve personal problems and concerns that may affect job performance. These problems and concerns may include emotional and psychiatric problems, alcohol and other drug related problems, marriage and family problems, financial and legal problems, interpersonal conflicts at work, stress, vocational issues—almost any personal concern.
Employee assistance professionals are specially trained and experienced at listening, asking the right questions, gathering the correct information, and helping you decide the best course of action to take to resolve the issue or difficulty you face.
EAP services are free and confidential and are available to all associates and their families. For more information, contact the DLA Land and Maritime EAP office at 614-692-2000 or by email.
EAP services are also available through Magellan Ascend Learning Center. Magellan Ascend has a variety of articles, videos and webinars. Several of the topics available are about parenting, caregiving and stress. These can be useful tools for you and your family during this stressful time.