Establishing a routine

Having a routine in lockdown is important to give your life some structure. It can be easy to find yourself falling into patterns of unmotivation, so following a routine, even if it is a more relaxed routine, can help provide you with a sense of stability.

Finding ways to adapt your usual routine to a home setting is a good way of doing this. If you enjoy having lunch with friends, schedule a lunchtime zoom call to sit around and talk to friends as usual. If you usually go to the gym a few times a week, home workouts can be a good substitute for this.

Protecting yourself

It is also important to protect yourself from risks of contracting COVID-19. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination if you are a NDIS participant from the age of 12-upwards is now considered to be a priority group with the Australian Government. 

Using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as masks, gloves and hand sanitizer, can also be ordered through your NDIS plan. You can use your NDIS funds to purchase PPE items when:

• You have a reasonable need for PPE items such as face masks and gloves.

• The items are used when your Support Worker is providing supports.

• You receive an average of at least 1 hour a day of face-to-face supports.

PPE will protect you, the people around you, and help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Make self-care a top priority

Now more than ever, it is important to take the time to manage our stress, and support our physical and mental health. Self-care tips can be handy to give you ideas on how to prioritise yourself. We have already put together a list of our favourite self-care tips, but here are the highlights below:

• Limit your time watching the news.

• Take care of your body.

• Make time to unwind and relax.

• Ask for help if you need to.

Stay connected

Use technology to stay in contact with the important people and relationships in your life.  Connecting with people you trust can help you have a sense of belonging and purpose. 

Using video calling platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, or FaceTime can help you see and hear your loved ones, helping pass the time by engaging in real conversation.

Do what you love

Continue with the activities that you can still do, such as going for a walk, reading, cooking, gardening, watching a movie, or calling a friend.

By doing the activities you enjoy, not only will you pass the time, but you will be able to find joy in what you love.

Be kind to yourself!

Most importantly, remember that everyone is going through a tough time right now. It is okay to feel down or worried about these current circumstances, so be gentle with yourself and understand that it’s okay to not be your best self.

More importantly, remembering that these times will pass can help. Overall, by maintaining safe practices and staying home, we will eventually be able to get back to normal life as safely as possible. 

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a crisis and it is an emergency, call 000.  If you need help and it is not a crisis, contact your GP or call one of the many helplines such as:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

If you have any questions or queries, or need to talk to someone at Head Office, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.