Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 3

The third wave of COVID-19, and the restrictions and lockdowns it has triggered may cause us heightened fears for the health and safety of our loved ones. Here are some tips to help combat this anxiety. ThirdWaveAnxiety: Tips toHelp Have conversations with your friends, loved ones, and household You may need to make sure you’re on the same page with regard to the rules where you are. If someone is not obeying the rules, or has interpreted them differently from you, it may be worth having a discussion with them to be clear about what the rules of your household are. Others may need to vent their frustrations with the rules in order to reach a point of acceptance and compliance. It’s okay to support the venting if it leads to acceptance. You may need to check that elderly relatives are being appropriately cared for and are aware of changing restrictions. Avoid scrolling News and social apps can have addictive qualities that make them hard to put down, which can promote stress and anxiety. Give yourself a time limit for checking the news from a trusted source—rather than via social media—and try to stick to it. Using an app timer is a good idea if you find it difficult to put down your devices. Exercise regularly Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to stay fit and strong, and to reap the mental health benefits of moving. If rules in your area allow outdoor exercise, try to vary your route or exercise routine to keep it interesting. If you have to exercise indoors, try different workout videos for variety, such as yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), dance classes, or Pilates. Ask for help when you need it If you or a member of your household are especially at risk from the virus, you may need an extra pair of hands, or a sympathetic ear, from time to time. Or, you may be under extra pressure having to work from home while managing young kids. Make a list of friends and neighbours who you could call on if you’re likely to need help getting shopping or running errands, or who you could chat to if you need to unload. Offer help Helping others has proven psychological benefits. If you’re able to, picking up shopping or a prescription for an older or vulnerable neighbour can be an antidote to the COVID-19 blues. Eat healthy food Staying hydrated and having a varied diet including plenty of pulses, green leafy vegetables, and protein—and avoiding too much sugar, oil • Healthy Workplace Series • The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from theMorneau Shepell website www.workhealthlife.com TheMembers’AssistanceProgram (MAP)issponsoredbyCDSPIand providesconfidentialshort-term counsellingsupport,professional guidance,resourcesandreferrals fordentists,dentalofficestaffand immediatefamilymembers.MAP servicesarecomplimentaryand accessible24/7/365. ContactMAPat1.844.578.4040or visittheirwebsiteat workhealthlife.com. MAPisoperatedbyShepell,the largestCanadian-basedEmployee andFamilyAssistanceproviderin thecountry.Availableservicesvary byregion.UseofMAPservicesis completelyconfidentialwithinthe limitsofthelaw. CONTINUED S upporting Y our P ractice 41 Issue 3 | 2021 |