How online psychologists are helping Australians access mental health support during COVID-19?
As COVID-19 continues to keep us isolated and indoors, our mental health is taking a hit. While staying safe physically is important, we cannot neglect our emotional well-being. Social isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and insomnia, which can significantly affect our daily lives. Seeking help from an online psychologist and attending online therapy can go a long way in improving your lifestyle.
Inner Psych, a telehealth psychologist company based in Australia, understands the impact of the pandemic on mental health. We offer online psychologists in Australia and telehealth psychologists to cater to people’s needs in these challenging times. If you are experiencing mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
COVID-19 has made us rely more on online platforms, but this increased screen time can be mentally draining. To ensure you look after your mental health, Inner Psych recommends the following:
- Establish boundaries on screen use
Create a routine for your screen use habits. If you are attending an online work meeting, sit at your designated workspace at home. But if you are just chatting with family, then you can sit on the couch. This trick can help you attune your headspace accordingly.
- Take short breaks in between meetings
Don’t feel guilty about taking breaks in between your meetings. Take a break and stay hydrated. It’s not just about giving your body a break; it’s also about taking some time out for yourself to collect your thoughts and relax. Incorporate intentional breaks to look after your mental health. Keep a bottle of eye drops handy to reduce eye strain if needed.
- Stay active
Regular exercise is helpful in maintaining both physical and mental health. Exercise stimulates the production of dopamine, a hormone that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Take a walk after lunch, go for a jog after you have finished work, or try indoor activities like yoga.
- Avoid using electronic devices before bed
Electronic devices emit blue light that disrupts our natural sleep cycle. Good night’s rest is key to keeping our minds healthy. Stick to your usual sleep schedule and avoid binge-watching in bed when you need to wake up early the next day. If electronic device use is unavoidable before bedtime, turn on the “eye comfort” mode. Having a fixed sleep schedule has proven to benefit an individual’s productivity and mental health.
- Take a social media break
Constant exposure to an overwhelming amount of news information can induce anxiety. While it’s important to stay informed, limit the sources you get your information from. News information is often sensationalized, aiming to create fear. Take a social media break to give your mind a well-deserved rest.
By practicing self-care, you can become more conscious of the stress triggers in your life, helping you better adapt to the challenges ahead. If you need advice on how to practice self-care, navigate to Inner Psych thoughts, our podcast series for more tips and tricks.
If you’re finding it difficult to schedule an in-person psychologist counselling session during these trying times, Inner Psych is here to help. We bring our trained clinical online psychologists and our registered online psychologists to you through virtual therapy. You can book an appointment with one of our online psychologists by clicking here.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is crucial during these unprecedented times. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
