Currently, there is a lot of information about the Coronavirus COVID-19 and how to stay #HealthyAtHome. The best way to stay informed is through official health sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and local public health authorities.

The WHO is the most reliable and updated source now to receive information about this disease, since it is in constant collaboration with health experts, laboratories and governments to provide the world population with truthful information about the COVID-19 virus. Currently, there is a lot of information about the Coronavirus COVID-19. The best way to stay informed is through official health sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and local public health authorities.

In this article we will talk about the WHO recommendations to stay #HealthyAtHome, focusing on taking care of our mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has led many of us to stay home, where we have fewer social interactions and exercise less. This can have negative consequences for physical and mental health.

TAKE CARE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH

The WHO indicates that as countries have implemented measures to restrict movements in order to reduce the number of infections of COVID-19 virus, more and more people are radically changing their daily routine.

The new realities of teleworking, temporary unemployment, home schooling, and lack of physical contact with family, friends, and colleagues take time to get used to. These changes can affect our mental health, knotted with the fear of contracting COVID-19.

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to take care of our mental health and help others who may need more support and attention.

Below, we present the WHO recommendations to take care of our mental health:

Stay informed. Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities. Follow trusted news channels, such as local and national TV and radio, and keep up to date with the latest news from @WHO on social media.

Have a routine. Keep up with daily routines as far as possible or make new ones.  For example:

• Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.
• Keep up with personal hygiene.
• Eat healthy meals at regular times.
• Exercise regularly.
• Allocate time for working and time for resting.
• Make time for doing things you enjoy.

Minimize newsfeeds. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed.

Social contact is important. If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels.

Alcohol and drug use. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or do not drink alcohol at all. Do not start drinking alcohol if you have not drunk alcohol before. Avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation. There is no evidence of any protective effect of drinking alcohol for viral or other infections. In fact, the opposite is true as the harmful use of alcohol is associated with increased risk of infections and worse treatment outcomes. And be aware that alcohol and drug use may prevent you from taking sufficient precautions to protect yourself again infection, such as compliance with hand hygiene.

Screen time. Be aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen every day. Make sure that you take regular breaks from on-screen activities.

Video games. While video games can be a way to relax, it can be tempting to spend much more time on them than usual when at home for long periods. Be sure to keep the right balance with off-line activities in your daily routine.

Social media. Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation wherever you see it.

Help others. If you are able, offer support to people in your community who may need it, such as helping them with food shopping.

Support health workers. Take opportunities online or through your community to thank your country’s health-care workers and all those working to respond to COVID-19.

Do not discriminate. Fear is a normal reaction in situations of uncertainty. But sometimes fear is expressed in ways which are hurtful to other people. Remember:

• Be kind. Do not discriminate against people because of your fears of the spread of COVID-19.
• Do not discriminate against people who you think may have coronavirus.
• Do not discriminate against health workers. Health workers deserve our respect and gratitude.
• COVID-19 has affected people from many countries. Do not attribute it to any specific group.

Additional WHO Information

You can get updated information on the WHO website. We recommend visiting the following links to stay informed:

• General information and basic protection measures against COVID-19.
• Frequently asked questions about the disease.
• Tips for managing stress during the outbreak.
• A section that talks about the myth busters that emerged about COVID-19.
• #HealthyAtHome Section.

We hope this information is useful. Remember to follow the instructions of the official health sources and #StayHome. Take care!

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)