Nabilah Davis

Registered counsellor and programme coordinator at the South african College of applied Psychology

months into the pandemic,

many of us are still learning to live in an environment of elevated stress, anxiety, fear and anger. Brain fog and inattention have been collateral damage, especially for those who are recovering from the virus or juggling work and childcare. A few simple tips for staying motivated and focused on your goals and aspirations is to set small, daily milestones, find a healthy work-life balance, prioritise your mental health and be OK with not being highly productive right now. To help maintain mental focus and positivity to allow a fresh start in the new year, be mindful not to carry the stress of 2020 with you, and make a conscious effort to clear your mind. Maintain a healthy routine, even if you’re at home – get dressed in the morning, and allocate set time to work and leisure. Plan regular activities you enjoy. Try to limit the time you spend reading about Covid-19 and watching the news. Find a balance between keeping informed and avoiding becoming overwhelmed. Take care of yourself emotionally. Self-care encompasses everything you do that involves being good to yourself; it’s about being as compassionate to yourself as you would be to others. Some practical advice for those consumed by Covid-19 anxiety is to do as much as you realistically can to protect yourself in terms of sanitising and social distancing. But that doesn’t mean you should stop living. Engage in activities and hobbies you find meaningful and fun, and try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Strengthen your support structures with friends and family. During the pandemic, I’ve learnt about the power of communication and to not be too proud to ask for help.

“Be OK with not being highly productive right now”

– Nabilah Davis