Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 3

and processed food—are key ways to manage mental health. While there’s nothing wrong with having some comfort food if you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet to reduce overall stress and other negative impacts of a poor diet. Prioritize good sleep A good night’s sleep is essential for good mental health. Practise good sleep hygiene: never work in your bed, make it every day, change out of your pyjamas in the morning, and establish a night-time routine that includes a screen off time and a wind-down ritual. All of these things help set the stage for improved sleep. If you struggle with insomnia, avoid lying awake in bed too long: get up and quietly read a book until you feel sleepy so that you don’t subconsciously associate bed with being awake. Practise gratitude Especially when things are difficult, finding things to be grateful for can improve your mood and mental health. It might be something as small as being grateful for a text from a friend or having made dinner in advance of a busy day of meetings. Make a habit of taking a moment each day to write down one thing you were grateful for. Try meditation Mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce anxiety. There are many free apps and audio guides that can help you start off with a meditation practice. Combat Zoom fatigue Staring at screens too much can have negative implications for physical and mental health. As with any sustained computer activity, develop a habit of looking away from the screens for at least 20 seconds after 20 minutes of sustained work. Avoid drugs and alcohol Some people choose to use drugs and alcohol to try to deal with anxiety. While this may not seem to be a problem, ultimately these options only increase symptoms of stress and anxiety. If you’re tempted by alcohol or cigarettes, avoid having them in your house. If you find yourself drinking more than the recommended amount, or misusing prescription drugs or narcotics, speak to your GP. Speak to a counsellor. If you’re finding it difficult to manage, speak to a caring counsellor via CDSPI’s Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) at 1.844.578.4040 or visiting www.workhealthlife.com. You can also speak to your GP and ask for a psychology referral. S upporting Y our P ractice 42 | 2021 | Issue 3