Posted on March 30, 2020

COVID-19 is all anyone is talking about, but what can you do to feel more in control and help others? Health at Work will be providing some useful tips to help. ⁠

1) Support Your Local

Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t support your local shops. The small retailers are struggling, so please pop down to your local newsagent, baker, café or butcher to show your support.

2) Work From Home Effectively

Yes, working from home has it’s perks, but you also have to contend with isolation and distraction. So how do you effectively work from home? Here are our 4 top tips to set you on the right path – and sorry that also includes no TV!

Here are our work-from-home tips:

Get Dressed: Have a shower, get dressed as if you are going to work. It will prepare yourself mentally to work.
Have The Right Set-Up: Use a mouse and a keyboard, and never work from the bed or couch - your neck and back will thank you later!
Take Breaks: Get up, move around and have a lunch break. Utilise the full kitchen and pantry to cook up a healthy hot lunch.
Check In: Schedule a morning video meeting or teleconference with your team. It will keep you accountable and get some social contact too.

3) Strengthen Your Immune System

Having a healthy immune system reduces your chance of viral infection, and there are many ways to naturally boost your immunity. With a few changes to your daily habits it will help reduce the chance of falling ill.

Here's our immune-strengthening tips:

Soak Up Some Sun: Vitamin D is an immune system supercharger, a few minutes outside will lift your health and mood.
Sleep: We've all heard it before, it's one of the best ways to improve your health. So ditch the binge-watching and go to bed earlier.
Work It Out: Simply going for a walk a few times a week will keep your physically fit and strengthen your immune system.
Eat The Rainbow: Consuming a variety of fresh produce on a daily basis will boost immunity.
Stress Less: Chronic stress suppresses the immune system. To keep your stress in check, practice yoga, meditation or deep breathing and try not to work excessively.

4) Can You Spare A Square?

Everyone needs toilet paper, but do you need 72 rolls in your cupboard? Instead of panic buying household essentials please think about how much you realistically need. Do you have enough to share? Perhaps you have an elderly neighbour or friend who can’t get to the shops easily – why not pop by and offer them a roll or two.

5) Coping With Virus Anxiety

In difficult times it is easy to feel overwhelmed and out of control, especially when there is an element of the unknown. So it’s important to look after your own mental health. Be kind to yourself (and others) and remember to stay informed and up-to-date with the news.

Here are our tips:

Do Not Panic: Panic spreads faster than the virus. We are all in this together.
Keep Clean: Wash your hands frequently and wipe down surfaces at home/work.
Turn On: Stay up to date with the news and advice from health authorities.
Check In: The elderly or those with weak immune systems need the most support and love.
Get Outside: Enjoy some fresh air and nature.
Ask For Help: If you feel overwhelmed, take to family and friends or seek a therapist for support.

The world is shrouded in a cloud of uncertainty at the moment which is why it is imperative that we are there to support one another; for the only way to overcome this pandemic is if we stand together.

COVID-19: What Can You Do?