Taking Care of Yourself

(Archived and no longer updated, updated Sept 12 2020)

Take care of your mental health

It is ok to feel not ok!  The best ways to address concerns and support each other include:

  • listen and provide reassurance – it’s normal to have questions
  • get information from reliable sources
  • address questions and correct misinformation
  • watch for discrimination or bullying related to COVID-19
  • maintain normal routines and programming as much as possible

As always if you feel you are a risk of harm to yourself or others, you should call 911, or visit your local emergency department.

If not an emergency dial 8-1-1 to seek a nurse, visiting your local emergency department or visiting NS Health Psychiatric Emergency Department. For more information regarding where to seek help please visit NS Mental Health & Addiction page online.

For further assistant look below:

Mental Health & Addictions
NEED HELP NOW?
Mental Health Crisis Line
1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Available 24 hours, seven days a week

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
Available 24 hours, seven days a week

Employee Assistance Programs

For folks who have been recently laid off, check with your employers Employee Assistance Program. Most have mental health supports and counselors available via telephone. Even if laid off, these services are available for up to six months after the job loss.

Webinar - Emotional Wellbeing During COVID-19

The uncertainty we are all experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic poses many challenges for us in our workplace and at home. The increase in stress from the fast changing climate requires us to have tools we may have never needed, to make good decisions. This short webinar will help unpack why the pandemic is hard on us, and provide tips and tools for taking care of yourself, your family, and staying positive.
https://workplacelearning.morneaushepell.com/en/program/emotional-well-being-during-covid-19-pandemic-complimentary-webinar

Parent Navigators and Schools Plus Support

Additionally, Parent Navigators and Schools Plus Support for HRCE can be found here: https://www.hrce.ca/news/2020/03/16/covid-19-update-families and for CSAP families here: https://csap.ca/informations-sur-le-coronavirus-covid-19

Privacy and health

Everyone is reminded that tenants have the right to privacy regarding health issue at all times. As such, property owners and managers may not collect or share information regarding tenants health, including whether tenants may have come in contact or be confirmed to have COVID-19.

We are feeling grief

Another neighbour wrote: "Dont know if this is the kind of thing youd want to send out, but its one of the best reads on the unease it seems like were all feeing now." It sure is. We are feeling grief right now, and as I have said repeatedly, it is okay to not feel okay. https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief

How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Surfaces?

Researchers looked at how long the virus can survive on cardboard, plastic, and stainless steel, as well as after being aerosolized and suspended in midair.
https://www.wired.com/story/how-long-does-the-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces/

Food Safety and Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you managed to stock your fridge and pantry, or were left staring at empty supermarket shelves, there's good news: you can still eat safely, even from restaurants, provided you follow a few basic guidelines. Article starts with what we know about the virus, followed by some basic rules to safely shop, cook, and order food. https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/03/food-safety-and-coronavirus-a-comprehensive-guide.html#reheating-food

What happens if I can't pay my rent?

Read about the NS eviction process and what you can do about it here.

Door signs for those at risk

If you are in a high risk category you may wish you may consider posting a sign on your front door warning people - Gardengypsyadelaide posted these signs on her Facebook Page - feel free to share and print one of these for your front door.

https://www.facebook.com/gardengypsyadelaide/posts/3184468971565451

Working from home

My cousin Samantha who works in Texas posted these great ideas for helping to “normalize” working from home:

  • if you normally commute, go for a walk when you would typically be in your car
  • turn on video for all calls and dress like you are going to work
  • make sure you take time for lunch and work your normal hours
  • make a to do list and set reminders
  • get an extra monitor if you can, and turn your TV off!

Webinar - Introduction to Working Remotely

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of people around the world. While advances in technology offer greater flexibility around when, where, and how you can work, this increased availability also produces unique issues that need to be addressed. This 15-minute seminar will address some of the challenges and best practices for working in a remote team to create an effective and enjoyable experience for everyone. https://workplacelearning.morneaushepell.com/en/program/introduction-working-remotely-complimentary-webinar-recording

Is my workplace safe?
If you have concerns around #COVID19 and workplace safety, you can direct them confidentially to the NS Labour Safety Branch Line at 1-800-9Labour. This is a confidential line to protect the identity of the caller.
When May an Employee Lawfully Refuse to Work?

Pink Larkin created this excellent information page for workers looking for advice about when and how to refuse to work. They wrote “The COVID-19 pandemic raises significant workplace issues. One of them is whether an employee may lawfully refuse to work because they believe that doing so would endanger their health or safety.” https://pinklarkin.com/covid-19-workplace-fact-sheet-1-when-may-an-employee-lawfully-refuse-to-work/

If you’re aware of a business/organization not following social distancing protocols:

  • Check whether they are exempt in the Health Protection Act Order
  • Have a conversation with the manager
  • If unsuccessful, call the non-emergency police line 902-490-5020 and report it

For more info http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus

Staying Fit

I’d been actually going to the gym since January, keeping the New Years resolution for a change, and going 3-4 times a week and I really miss it!  Well I got an email yesterday and Fit4less has put their virtual fitness videos on youtube for everyone for free.  You can see them here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKo_zUuwkm15m3LXryULnZA

Goodlife has similar free videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC2EFDC7974A4B517
Yoga: A lot of Halifax yoga resources here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1019474161420489

Crossfit Kinetics is loaning equipment to members and conducting zoom classes:

https://www.facebook.com/crossfitkineticshalifax

Share your fitness tips, email me your ideas and resources

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