East London-born Karl Rollison is an internationally renowned Harley Street therapist, hypnotist and life coach who specialises in treating anxiety, stress and phobias. He has achieved successful outcomes for both his high-profile personal clients as well as many major banks, blue chip corporations and financial institutions. In addition to being a Ninjutsu martial arts instructor, Karl is one of the world's leading experts in the field of stress and anxiety management.
Knowing many of us are facing stress and anxiety during this self isolation during the Covid-19 Outbreak, Karl has put together some useful how how to main our mental health.
Maintaining mental health during distancing and isolation
Everyone is talking about the Corona virus and the obvious dangers to our health. Now people are experiencing the indirect effects of the situation: restricted food supplies, delayed deliveries, cancelled sporting events, closed bars and clubs and restricted travel. Over the coming months there will be something else to deal with – cabin fever!
We live so fast these days with constant distractions that sometimes we feel overwhelmed. This feeling is called burnout. This is when the expectations and demands exceed our abilities. However, over the next few months (with enforced isolation) people may experience the opposite end of the stress scale – ‘Boreout’.
This is when our abilities exceed the requirements placed on us. If you think this isn’t an issue then think again, I’ve coached a range of people who go through boreout, from the injured to the retired. It can lead to depression, anxiety, frustration, aggression, anger and hostility!
So what can we do about it? LOTS! Let’s put things in perspective.
- We ARE at war with an unseen enemy but we not in a warzone. There are no bombs or gunfire.
- This situation is temporary, sit tight.
- We are all in this together.
Get proactive:
- Set your alarm and get up, make your bed, shower and get dress. DON’T lie around in your pyjamas. Arrange times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Set a positive intent for the day.
- Time zones. Have 2 separate and distinct periods, 9-5 is uptime- wear your trainers. 5 onwards is downtime wear your slippers. If you don’t get this then try on both items, be aware of how they make you feel, I think you’ll be amazed!
- Work zones. If you are working from homeHave a dedicated work area. If you live with your partner agree on two separate work areas and a central family zone. DON’T infect your relaxation area with work!
- Contract. Agree on the above by drawing up and signing a rota, schedule or contract. Sounds OTT? I have helped lots couples deal with retirement using this method.
- Vitamin D.We actually need light in our lives. When we are exposed to daylight, even in the winter, our skin produces Vitamin D and many experts feel that this helps regulate our circadian pattern which improves our sleep/wake cycle. Low levels can be linked to anxiety and depression. Try to get as much daylight and fresh air if possible. I strongly suggest a good supplement as well.
- Magnesium is actually known as “nature’s sedative”. It is a muscle relaxant and great at calming the nervous system. It’s also one of the best minerals at reducing stress and anxiety. Foods include spinach, broccoli, almonds, Brazil nuts, salmon and tuna. Take a qualify supplement as well.
- Low Tech. Get some jigsaw puzzles, books, sketch pads, paints, colouring books and board games. Don’t rely on the internet for entertainment; if everyone is at home there will be contention and load issues with Broadband and WiFi.
- Wish List. Spend time writing out all the things you’d like to do and the places you’d like to visit. Making positive plans is great for our mental health.
- Exercise. It is THE best way of dealing with isolation. If you have the room or garden I would recommend a quality leather skipping rope. How about aerobics? Restricted space is no excuse - prisoners around the world keep fit in their 6x8 cells mainly through body weigh manipulation: press-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, star jumps, etc.
- Chew gum.The process of chewing actually relaxes us, another reason people comfort eat. The key is to chomp on a good quality, naturally sweetened, sugar-free gum instead of calories.
- Play empowering, relaxing, feel-good music. It is such a powerful tool for harmony and mental resilience.
- ..it’s everywhere!You probably have draws, shoe boxes and carrier bags full of letters, receipts and bills. Empty everything into a massive pile and sort into “junk”,” shred” and “keep”. Then file the “keep” pile into “car”, “home”, “important”, “sentimental” etc. This could take you DAYS but is a real accomplishment. When would you ever get around to doing this?
- Declutter. Time to get stuff out of the loft, shed, garage and garden and sort them into “junk”, “charity”, “sell” and “keep”.
- Hobbies. Learn a language, an instrument, do an on-line course, make a model or just do some DIY.
Remember: out of bad comes good! Conversely, during this period of isolation it’s actually a fantastic opportunity to put our technology to good use and reach out to and catch up with, people we haven’t spoken to for years. After all, they’ll probably have time
Karl is offering his services free of charge via SKYPE for anyone who is suffering with CoronaVirus ANXIETY
For more information follow Karl on Instagram
