Our recent podcast episode Five Ways to Avoid Burnout + Recharging on the Fly explores the positive psychology PERMA model for sustainable wellbeing.
In the middle of a global pandemic, it’s of course normal for the idea of long term wellbeing to be far from our minds.
Interestingly, many specific tips for wellbeing and mental health during the current crisis also align with this long term model of wellbeing, PERMA.
We enjoyed mapping a few examples of pandemic wellbeing tips from the incredible resources by Beyond Blue and the World Health Organisation with the PERMA model.
We love the thought that these short term solutions could be building long term wellbeing.
Check out how the examples align:
(P) Positive Emotion
Watch or read something uplifting – Distraction can be a good thing. Watch something that you find uplifting and allow yourself to zone out from what’s going on in the world. If reading is more your thing, go to your bookshelf and choose an old favourite or something you’ve been meaning to get to for a while.
Engage your senses – Connect to what is happening in this moment right now. Try the following:
- Splash cold water on your face
- Take a hot (or cold) shower
- Cuddle your pet
- Smell and/or diffuse a relaxing essential oil (ie lavender, geranium, ylang ylang)
- Take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea – really pay attention to the aroma and taste
(E) Engagement/Flow
Learn something new – Have you wanted to get into drawing or learning a musical instrument? Now’s a great time to make a start. YouTube has great free online tutorials for pretty much everything.
(R) Relationships
Social contact is important – While social connection may be tricky during this time when many people are physical distancing, staying connected to others is more important than ever as we are wired to connect and seek comfort and care from others. We are fortunate to have so much technology at our fingertips enabling us to stay connected to family, friends and colleagues.
Use video calls where possible so that you can see each other, as we communicate best when we can see each other’s body language and facial expressions. Do your best to listen and interact as mindfully as you can with others – really pay attention to the people you’re interacting with.
(M) Meaning
Help others – If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it.
Contributing to the wellbeing of others helps shift our attention from ourselves onto what we can do for them. This helps us connect with others; gain a sense of agency, even if only in a small way; plus helping others also positively impacts our own wellbeing.
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.
(A) Accomplishment
Declutter for five minutes – If you’re suddenly spending a lot more time at home, it can help to have an environment that feels good to you. Instead of getting all Marie Kondo and trying to overhaul your whole space in a day, try decluttering for five mins a day. Pick a shelf to start with or pick up five things and find a home for them. For more five-minute decluttering tips, check out this article.
Avoid lockdown regret, focus on what you DID do – As the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to ‘normal’ life for most of us, on the face of it that meant more time at home to ‘get stuff done’. But what if your to-do list didn’t quite go to plan? Beyond Blue looks at why it’s important to let go of lockdown regrets and try to focus on what you did do.
For a new way to set goals that brings more meaning and purpose, even on shaky days or during uncertain times, check out our recent podcast episode: EXPERT INSIGHT: Myths About “Finding Your Purpose” + What To Try Instead
For the latest tips and information to manage your mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic, visit:
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