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Category: COVID-19

10 Date Night Ideas for Couples in Self-Isolation

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Has social distancing put a dampener on your love life?

As bars and restaurants close and self-isolation becomes the norm, our ‘dinner and a movie’ date nights will have to be put on hold (for now).

But that shouldn’t stop you from having a good time with your special someone. In fact, it’s more important than ever to take a break from the stress of the current health situation and nurture our emotional connections.

Keep the romance alive without leaving the house with these fun date ideas.

 

1. Cook a Meal Together

Whipping up dinner during the week can be more rushed than romantic. Take some time on the weekend to find a new recipe that involves some hands-on preparation – like homemade pizza or sushi – and enjoy reconnecting in the kitchen.

If you want to add an element of excitement, hone your inner MasterChef and challenge your partner to see who can make the better dish.

 

2. Have a Backyard Picnic

Get outside those four walls and take in the fresh air with a backyard picnic – all you need is a picnic blanket and your favourite meal. Better yet, get it delivered. You may not be able to dine in at your favourite restaurants at the moment, but many are still offering delivery and takeaway.

Hang some fairy lights, light some candles and play some ambient music to add to the romantic experience.

 

3. Revisit Your Favourite Board Games

If you’re guilty of relying on TV and the internet for all your entertainment, mix things up with a little friendly competition. Monopoly, Scrabble, Snakes and Ladders, Chess – whatever your pick, board games are a great go-to for indoor fun.

Revisit your old childhood favourites or order new games online to add to your rotation.

 

4. Do a Workout

Missing the gym? You can still work up a sweat at home! Whether you follow online workouts or come up with your own, exercising with your partner can give you the motivation you need to reach your fitness goals.

It’s also been known to increase emotional bonds and overall happiness in relationships – so get moving!

 

5. Play Two-Player Console Games

If you have an Xbox, PlayStation or other gaming console, grab yourself a second controller and a multiplayer game and you’ve got yourself one playful date.

Console games are a great escape from daily life, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in foreign worlds of colourful characters, realistic racetracks, gripping gunfights and more.

With so many multiplayer games available, you’re sure to find something you both enjoy.

 

6. Have a Movie Marathon

An oldie but a goodie, this classic at-home date night idea is perfect for a low-key, cosy night in.

Re-watch your favourite film series, take turns picking what to watch next, or choose movies based on a particular genre (did someone say ‘rom-com night’?). Don’t forget the popcorn!

 

7. Get Arty

What could be more romantic than painting your partner’s portrait? Making art with your loved one is a fun way to foster your creativity and take your mind off things.

Plus, just 45 minutes of creative activity can reduce your stress. So whether you’re painting fruit, a sunset, or each other, an arty date is a great way to relax and unwind.

 

8. Learn Something New

Exploring new hobbies and interests together is a great way to break up your self-isolation routine.

You could learn a foreign language, pick up an instrument, plant a vegetable garden, or give photography a go. Enjoying something different during your downtime allows you to gain new skills and learn more about each other – win-win!

 

9. Do a Questionnaire

Let’s face it – after a few days in quarantine, the conversation can get a little stale. Questionnaires are a fun way to spark unexpected conversations and discover things about each other you otherwise may not have unveiled.

Pinterest is a great source for questionnaires and quizzes for every age. Or you can get creative and come up with your own trivia game to test how well you know each other.

 

10. Have a Silent Disco

You may not be able to hit the town at the moment, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a boogie (without waking the neighbours)!

Sit down and make a playlist of all your favourite songs, and then grab your headphones, get your dancing shoes on, and turn up the volume.

 

Check out our article How to Survive Self-Isolation with Your Family for more practical tips, or contact us on 1300 364 277 between 8am-8pm for support.

 

Infographic - date night ideas

10 Ways to Stay Connected During the Coronavirus

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Missing your mates?

With lockdowns put in place without much warning, we can’t catch up with friends and family as we normally would.

But social distancing doesn’t have to keep you cut off from your loved ones. There are plenty of fun ways to stay in touch and maintain those important connections until you can catch up in person again.

 

1. Send a Voice Message

You know that nice text message you send to let your mum know you’re thinking of her, or to tell your friends to have a great Friday? It’d be way more exciting in a voice message. Sending a greeting or an update in a quick voice message in place of a text is a great way to brighten someone’s day.

 

2. Update Them with Short Videos

There’s a reason video-messaging apps like Snapchat and TikTok have been so popular. We’re visual creatures, and we love videos that make us laugh, cry, and everything in between. Start capturing life’s precious (or simply funny) moments on your phone to share with friends and family. Some video ideas might include what you’re cooking for dinner or an update on your pet.

 

3. Get Their Favourite Meal Delivered

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach! The only thing better than getting a delivery is getting a delivery of your favourite takeaway dish. This is an easy way to score serious brownie points with your loved ones (and make sure they’re not living off toast in self-isolation). Some food delivery apps include Uber Eats, Menulog, and Deliveroo.

 

4. Watch Netflix Together

While you may not be able to cuddle up on the same couch and share a bowl of popcorn, you can still enjoy long-distance movie nights. Netflix Party synchronises video playback and adds group chat, so you can react and respond in real time while watching your favourite shows and movies.

 

5. Send a Care Package

Know someone who could do with some cheering up? Send them a care package of their favourite things. It doesn’t have to be extravagant – from tasty snacks and crossword puzzles to toilet paper, just a few thoughtful items are sure to impress. And if you’re not sure what to send, you can’t go wrong with flowers.

 

6. Write a Letter

Now’s the perfect time to pick up a pen and practise your cursive. There’s something special about receiving written letters in this day of easy electronic communication. Writing letters can also be pretty relaxing, so it’s a win-win for you and them. Bonus points for illustrations.

 

7. Play Online Games Together

Up for a little friendly competition? These are some of our favourite fun, free games to play with your loved ones while apart:

  • Draw Something – A drawing and guessing game where you pick something to draw for your friends, and vice versa.
  • Words with Friends – Like scrabble, but on your electronic device.
  • QuizUp – Choose from hundreds of niche topics (e.g. Game of Thrones, boxing, ‘00s pop), so it has something for every interest.

 

8. Send an Ecard

Why send an email when you can send an ecard with a beautiful design? Blue Mountain has free ecards for every occasion, from anniversaries and birthdays to ‘just because’.

 

9. Create Chat Groups

Messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts allow you to organise conversations by groups. So you can have separate real-time group chats for your friends, family, colleagues and more.

 

10. Pick up the Phone

Nothing beats hearing your loved one’s voice and laughter over the phone, so try to check in with your friends and family with a phone call now and then. You could even schedule in a day and time to talk each week.

If you need someone to talk to, you can access our over-the-phone counselling on 1300 364 277 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.

Bored in self-isolation? Make the most of your time at home with these 10 activities.

COVID-19 Update: Keeping You Safe and Supported

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The safety and wellbeing of our clients and staff is our utmost priority, and our management team continues to closely monitor all information and public health advice regarding the Novel Coronavirus. We have established processes in place that allow us to respond rapidly to emerging information and advice, with your safety in mind.

In venues that continue to deliver face-to-face services, we are complying with both the Federal and State public health principles and guidelines to establish and maintain measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This includes regular cleaning of our venues, following social distancing measures, obtaining the appropriate hygiene and personal protective equipment, and providing relevant training to staff.

At this stressful time, many people across Australia’s migrant communities are facing challenges because of COVID-19. Different regions of Australia and different communities within regions will have different challenges.

We welcome and value the contributions to our society made by our multicultural community. As a trusted leading provider of family and relationships services for over 70 years, Relationships Australia is proud to stand beside all community members, in all of their diversity, to support them to maintain positive and safe relationships.

Relationships Australia celebrates the strength of our diverse communities, and acknowledges and respects the cultural, spiritual and economic sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we all live.

We’re doing all we can to make sure we’re still here when you need us. You can access our services over the phone, via Zoom videoconferencing, or in person at several of our venues. Our helpful team can provide more information and discuss which of our services can best support you on 1300 364 277.

For more information on Novel Coronavirus, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 020 080.

Study Results: Mental Health and Relationships

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It’s no secret that 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. The COVID-19 outbreak and related stressors (e.g. social isolation and financial instability) have exacerbated pre-existing anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders.

Our mental health influences how we think, feel, and act every day. It can have a big impact on how we interact with the people in our lives – especially those closest to us.

New research from Relationships Australia reveals the importance of relationships in supporting and maintaining our mental health, and how mental ill-health can impact our intimate relationships.

This survey was conducted during COVID-19 and offers some interesting insights into the challenges during this tough time.

 

Sensing a Struggle

Promisingly, most people feel they can recognise a change in their mental health and that of their close companions.

A whopping 96% of people reported that they can either always (46%) or sometimes (50%) tell if their own mental health is suffering.

95% of people said they know when a close companion’s mental health is suffering. Although, only 29% claimed they could always notice this change, while the majority (66%) could sometimes notice it.

 

Discussing Mental Health

Interestingly, people reported feeling more comfortable discussing their mental health with their friends (72%) than their family (53%).

70% of people reported feeling very (30%) or somewhat (40%) comfortable talking about their mental health with their partner.

33% of respondents reported feeling comfortable talking about their mental health with their colleagues. This could indicate that the topic of mental health is becoming less taboo in workplaces.

People felt least comfortable discussing their mental health with their neighbours.

The results show we’re more comfortable discussing the mental health of those around us than of ourselves. While only 2% of people felt very comfortable discussing their own mental health with their neighbours, 21% felt very comfortable discussing their neighbours’ mental health.

6% of people reported feeling very comfortable discussing their own mental health with their colleagues, compared to 28% who felt very comfortable discussing their colleagues’ mental health with them. 13% of people reported feeling very comfortable talking about their own mental health with their family, while a whopping 49% felt very comfortable discussing their family’s mental health with them.

Overall, 99% of people reported feeling comfortable discussing other people’s mental health, showing that we are willing to offer an ear when needed, even if we may not be comfortable seeking support ourselves.

 

Impact of Mental Health on Relationships

Unsurprisingly, a huge 88% of participants agree that their mental health affects the health of their relationship, and 84% agree that their partner’s mental health affects the health of their relationship.

Despite this result, 50% of people reported they would not let the fact that another person was suffering mental ill-health discourage them from beginning or continuing a relationship with that person.

 

Seeking Help

The study revealed that we prefer to seek help in person. Most respondents (66%) reported they prefer to seek professional help in person, while only 19% stated they would seek professional help online.

11% of respondents said they would not seek help at all, and 9% said they would not know where to go for help.

A massive 64% of participants indicated they would seek help from the people closest to them. However, 45% said they felt uncomfortable or very uncomfortable talking to their close contacts about their mental health.

If you’re having a tough time, talking to a counsellor might help. Our counsellors can help you explore the issues that are causing concern and support you to find solutions. You can learn more about our counselling services here, or call us on 1300 364 277 to book an appointment.

You can read the full survey results here.

Coping with Social Anxiety as Restrictions Ease

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Self-isolation had many of us feeling anxious. The walls seemed to close in a little more each day as memories of an active social life became more distant. But when some of Queensland’s venues reopened, not everyone jumped at the chance to get out and about.

After months of social distancing, it’s not unusual to feel anxious at the thought of kick-starting your social life.

Social anxiety or social phobia is a common issue in Australia, with around 10% of Aussies experiencing the condition at some point in their lives.

Whether you have social anxiety or you’re simply nervous about facing public places and crowds again, you’re not alone. We share some tips to help you prepare for life and its social interactions post-lockdown.

 

Ease into Your Social Life

Who says you have to head to your favourite spots straight away? Start small and socialise slowly to ease back into interacting with people outside your household.

Catch up with just one or two friends at a time. Dodge the crowds by avoiding popular venues. Schedule in social interactions with a few days – or weeks – in between.

Getting back to ‘normal’ is going to take some adjusting, so be kind with yourself and take all the time you need to build back your social confidence.

 

Challenge Negative Thoughts

A negative inner monologue can talk you out of enjoying yourself. If you have a tendency to lean toward the negative ‘what if’s and catastrophise situations, try to stop those thoughts in their tracks.

Challenge negative self-talk by asking yourself what evidence you have for thinking/feeling that way. For example, you might be thinking “What if I don’t know what to say?” or worrying you’ll be judged in some way. Ask yourself what evidence you have to believe that, and try to remember all the times you got through conversations just fine.

 

Do Relaxation Exercises Beforehand

For many people with social anxiety, the anticipation of an event or social interaction is worse than the reality.

If you’re feeling especially anxious before a social commitment, take a few minutes to calm your nervous system with some relaxation techniques. Deep-breathing exercises and guided meditation have been known to help in times of stress, but even something as simple as enjoying a cup of tea while listening to your favourite song may help you centre yourself before an anxiety-provoking situation.

 

Take a Cheat Sheet

Social anxiety can push your brain into fight-or-flight mode, which can lead to mind blanks and memory disruption.

Writing notes on your phone can be a great way to remember important things or conversation starters if you’re prone to blanking when put on the spot. When you start to feel nervous, just refer to the ‘cheat sheet’ in your pocket.

Your notes might include what your friend’s job is, their partner’s name, an interesting anecdote you heard, a great new Netflix series you’ve been binge-watching, or a news story you’d like to get their opinion on.

 

Remember Everyone is Self-Conscious

If you’re feeling a bit rusty in social situations, chances are your friends and colleagues are, too. It’s to be expected after months of social distancing.

Just remember that everyone gets self-conscious, and even the most confident people are probably also trying to find their footing and adapt in these uncertain times.

If you need some help coping, our counsellors can provide support over the phone, over Zoom, or in person. You can learn more about our counselling services and how to book an appointment here.

For more practical advice, you might find our tips to handle uncertainty during COVID-19 helpful.

Study Results: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Our Relationships

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We don’t need a study to tell us the coronavirus has turned our world upside-down. The COVID-19 outbreak and related social distancing measures have brought significant changes to the way we work, live, and socialise.

Many of us have felt anxious and lonely as a result. Some of us have experienced feelings of depression and low mood. But how have our relationships been impacted by the coronavirus restrictions?

New research from Relationships Australia investigates how our close relationships have been affected throughout these turbulent times. These survey findings reveal the negative and positive changes participants experienced in relationships with partners, friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues.

 

We felt challenged by our living arrangements

If you’ve been struggling in self-isolation at home, you’re not alone. More than half (55%) of survey participants reported feeling challenged by their living arrangements during the COVID-19 restrictions.

These challenges didn’t just impact participants’ relationships with the people they lived with, either. The survey found that those who were challenged by their living arrangements were more likely to report changes to close relationships with people they didn’t live with, too.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. 20% of those who were challenged by their living arrangements still managed to create positive changes to their close relationships.

 

Living with friends was the most challenging

Apparently, living with your friends isn’t all fun and games when you’re forced to be with each other 24/7. The survey found that those living with one or more friends were most likely to feel challenged by the situation (63%), compared to those living with family (58%), those living alone (also 58%), and those living with just their partner (36%).

As everyone’s situation during this time has been so unique, it’s tough to explain the reason for these results. But the challenges of unemployment for young casual workers and the potential for loneliness when living alone may provide some rationale.

 

We put more effort into our relationships than before COVID-19

Have you felt closer to your friends and family members despite the physical distance between you? Across all households, the majority of people (over 52%) reported spending more time and effort maintaining relationships during COVID-19 restrictions than they normally would.

And it seems family really does come first, with people more likely to have spent more time and effort on their family relationships (59%) than their friendships (40%). Given that most survey respondents reported living with their family, this suggests that in general, people spent more time maintaining their relationships with the people they lived with.

 

Our romantic relationships suffered the most

42% of people reported experiencing a negative change in their relationship with their partner.

Meanwhile, the vast majority of people (over 90%) reported no significant changes or positive changes in all other relationship categories (parents, children, friends, extended family, neighbours and colleagues).

 

Very lonely people experienced the most negative changes to relationships

Participants who reported feeling very lonely were more likely to experience negative relationship changes throughout COVID-19 – including with people they didn’t live with. 51% of participants who reported often feeling very lonely said their close relationships had changed for the worse. Meanwhile, only 22% of participants who disagreed with the statement “I often feel very lonely” reported negative relationship changes.

The survey showed that people’s ‘close’ relationships (e.g. partner, children and friends) were more likely to be negatively impacted, while people’s relationships with their neighbours, extended family, and colleagues were less likely to be impacted.

You can read the full survey results here.

 

If you’re having a hard time at the moment, you might find our tips to protect your emotional wellbeing in the coronavirus outbreak helpful.

Or you can talk to one of our experienced counsellors in person, over the phone, or via Zoom. Learn more about our counselling services and how to make an appointment here.

10 Social Distancing Activities to do with Friends

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As restrictions in Queensland are lifted and our social lives are resuscitated, you might be approaching catch-ups with extra caution.

Public gatherings and social occasions increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading. This is why physical distancing and hygiene measurements remain in place to keep us safe.

With the coronavirus outbreak still hanging over our heads, it’s normal to be worried about getting a little too close to people from outside your household. If you’d like to avoid busy cafés and bars, stick to the 1.5m rule without alienating your friends and schedule in some of these fun social distancing activities.

Please check restrictions and guidelines in your state before making social plans.

 

Book the courts for doubles tennis

Grab a racquet and three mates and book your nearest tennis courts for an afternoon of competitive fun. Doubles tennis is a great group activity that keeps you safely distanced from each other (and gets the heart pumping and endorphins flowing). You can catch up on the latest in each other’s lives between sets.

 

Have a picnic on the beach

It might not be beach weather at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the salty air and crashing waves from the sand. Pack a lunch and enjoy chatting with your mates over a picnic blanket and your favourite snacks. Avoid sharing food if you want to be especially cautious.

 

Host a painting night

Put a spin on your Friday night in and host a paint party at home. You’ll find everything you need at your local department or craft store, including acrylic paint, brushes, canvases, water containers, and palettes (or paper plates). You can find paint tutorials online, or unleash your inner Bob Ross and freehand it.

 

Go for a hike at a national park

If you’re tired of the same old scenery on your around-the-block walk, why not pull on your hiking boots and take your social walks to the next level? National parks are open for business, and offer a great way to spend time with friends while getting your steps in. Enjoy the fresh air and don’t forget to pack a water bottle!

 

Go for a bike ride around your neighbourhood

This is another fun (and free) social distancing activity that can be enjoyed in a pair or in a group. If you haven’t gotten to know your neighbourhood on two wheels, now’s the perfect time to strap on a helmet and get sightseeing. Whether it’s a leisurely ride or a quad-burning workout, a bike ride in the fresh air is sure to shake off some of the iso dust.

 

Set up a game of backyard cricket

If you’ve got the space in your yard (or your local park), grab the crew and have a hit. Outdoor fun at its finest, backyard cricket gets everyone involved – young and old – and allows you to have a chat and a laugh with plenty of space between you.

 

Visit a farm

Fancy petting baby animals, making sheep’s cheese, or learning how your favourite condiments are made? Queensland boasts plenty of authentic farm experiences to tick off your bucket list. Check out this list of some of the must-see animal farms and parks in the area.

 

Do a bootcamp class

All our #fitfriends will love working up a sweat at an outdoor bootcamp class. Set one up yourself or finally make use of your ‘bring a friend for free’ voucher from the gym. There’s nothing like bringing a friend to your workout for some added motivation.

 

Walk your dogs

Getting outside = good for your mental health. Pets = good for your mental health. Combine the two for a feel-good catch-up with a friend. Don’t forget your doggy bags!

 

Visit your local markets

Avoid the crowds and head to your weekend markets early to grab a coffee and your weekly fruit and veg while catching up.

For all our friends who are still under strict social distancing rules, check out our 10 date night ideas that you can enjoy from home.

If you’re feeling uneasy about society starting up again, you might find our tips to ease into life after lockdown helpful.

How to Handle Uncertainty During COVID-19

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The coronavirus has created a thick fog of uncertainty surrounding almost every aspect of our lives – from work and finances to travel and socialising.

With so much going on right now that’s out of our control, it’s normal to feel anxious or uneasy.

Everyone has different ways of coping with uncertainty, but if you’re struggling with a fear of the unknown, here are a few ideas to get through.

 

Maintain a Daily Routine

Control the things you can by creating a daily routine with rituals you love. Maintaining a daily routine can help you feel safe and provide some stability during such an uncertain time. Plus, routine is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

Having your morning coffee or afternoon walk each day can help you feel grounded and comforted when other aspects of your life have been turned upside-down.

 

Pursue Unpredictability

When you’re used to knowing what to expect in most situations, you’re going to have a pretty high intolerance of uncertainty. You may be able to remove some of the anxiety that surrounds uncertainty by practising tolerating it in your everyday life.

You can seek out uncertainty in small ways, such as going to see a movie without watching the trailer, getting a coffee from a different café without reading the reviews, or attending a social event without checking out the guest list first.

You’ll likely learn that even if things don’t turn out the way you’d hoped, you managed to handle the uncertainty just fine. Who knows – you might even start to enjoy the excitement of not knowing what comes next.

 

Focus on the Present

Anxiety breeds on worries about the future. If you spend your time wondering when you’ll go back to the office or whether you’ll be able to go on that Europe trip or not, you’ll likely be left feeling hopeless and upset.

Try to take your focus off the uncertainty of the future and predicting what might happen, and instead look at what’s happening right now. You can focus your attention on the present through mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and journalling.

 

Reach out to Friends and Family

While it may be tempting to slip into a warm bath of denial, only to emerge when COVID-19 blows over, it’s probably not the best option for your mental health.

Everyone is feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in one way or another, so chances are your loved ones share at least some of your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. It’s been said that sharing lived experience of mental illness can provide hope in tough times, so you might find it helpful to reach out and talk things through with other people going through it.

Pick up the phone, create a group chat, or book in a dinner (while observing social distancing measures, of course).

 

Our counsellors are here if you need someone to talk to. Learn about our counselling services and how to book an appointment here.

Discover how workplace changes have impacted our mental health with these surprising study results.

Looking After Yourself Through COVID-19 Unemployment

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New data shows nearly 600,000 Aussies lost their jobs in April alone, following social distancing measures implemented as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. This doesn’t include the six million+ people currently on JobKeeper – even if they have been stood down or aren’t working at the moment.

Losing your job can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing at the best of times, let alone in the middle of a global pandemic.

Fear and anxiety around unemployment might be exacerbated by distress surrounding the outbreak. You might be facing financial hardship, struggling without the social interaction your colleagues provided, or even questioning your worth.

Self-care is a must to get through these extraordinary times. If you’re experiencing sudden unemployment, we hope these tips help you protect your mental health and maintain a positive mindset.

 

Be Kind to Yourself

Being made redundant can make us feel every sense of the word. But if you’ve lost your job during COVID-19, it likely has nothing to do with your performance – so try not to blame yourself or feel like you’ve failed.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions in response to an unexpected job loss. Given the unusual circumstances, you may even feel anger or a sense of injustice. How could this happen to me? It’s not fair.

Try to remember that this is a temporary setback, and there will be a way forward. In the meantime, be patient and kind to yourself, and remember all the great qualities that make you so much more than your job.

 

Maintain a Routine

Feeling a little lost without your regular 9-5? Creating a new daily routine can help you take back some control during such an uncertain time. Routine is also known to reduce stress and provide comfort, which can be especially helpful to those who are unemployed and depressed or anxious. So while it might be tempting to sleep in until midday and stay in your pyjamas all day, following a considered structure is likely going to be better for your mental health.

Everyone’s daily schedule will look different, but a few ways to maintain momentum while unemployed might include:

  • Getting out of bed at a reasonable hour
  • Showering and changing out of pyjamas
  • Getting outdoors every day
  • Doing some kind of physical activity
  • Eating three meals a day
  • Talking to friends or family
  • Meditating or simply checking in with how you’re feeling
  • Going to bed at a reasonable hour.

 

Find Activities That Give You Purpose

A job provides purpose and brings some sense of “meaning” for many people. When that’s gone, it can be tough to know what to do with the spare time, or where to find that meaningful engagement each day.

You might consider volunteering or joining a community club, or starting a project such as gardening or DIY renovations. Or perhaps you’d like to pick up a time-intensive hobby like learning a language or instrument. You don’t need to wait until your next job comes along to fill your days with purpose and joy.

 

Stay Connected

Fight the desire to withdraw, and reach out to your friends and family for support. Even if you pride yourself on being strong and resilient, there’s no shame in leaning on your loved ones. This can help you cope with the grief of job loss and may even reduce the amount of time you spend ruminating alone.

You might also like to stay in touch with your ex-colleagues who share your experience. Just be sure to check in with how you feel after you speak with them. There’s a fine line between sharing a healthy vent and indulging in a pity party, so if you feel down in the dumps after every interaction, it might be time to move on.

 

Create a Job-Search Plan

You’ve got to be in it to win it, so get yourself back in the game with a job-search plan. This might include the obvious steps like updating your resume and researching job vacancies, as well as using tools like Excel to track who and when you’ve sent applications.

You might find it helpful to create manageable daily or weekly job-search goals to stay on track. For example, you could aim to apply to 10 jobs and reach out to 10 connections on LinkedIn per week.

 

Losing your job is tough, and it’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, and even scared. If you need someone to talk to, our professional counsellors can provide support. Learn more about how our counselling services can help you here.

10 Life Lessons We Learnt During COVID-19

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The coronavirus has turned our world upside-down in ways we could have never imagined.

But along with the disruption and uncertainty, the past few months have presented an opportunity to adapt and learn. Like with most tough times, self-isolation has a few unexpected silver linings – from more time with family to saving some extra cash. 

We asked some of the RAQ team to share the positive lessons they’ve learnt during COVID-19.

 

I learnt to embrace the art of slowing down

“I’ve been getting back to basics and enjoying the simple pleasures life on slow-mode has to offer. I’ve absolutely loved spending time in my garden and growing herbs and fresh greens. Which of course leads to being able to get creative in the kitchen making delicious, fresh, wholesome meals while sipping fresh lemon balm tea and having the time to savour every mouthful.”

 – Shirley, Family and Relationship Counsellor

 

I learnt how great kids are at making their own fun

“Not being able to go out and ‘do things’ meant that we had to make do with what we had. We used toilet rolls for craft and built forts. We talked more and I got to show them new things. The nicest thing is that my kids learnt to play together without their parents. I feel more relaxed not having to ‘entertain’ them, instead letting them figure out what they’re going to do with their own time.”

– Jesse, Program Manager

 

I learnt to take pleasure in preparing meals for loved ones

I’ve enjoyed having more time to get into the kitchen and prepare meals for my family. We usually eat out at least a couple of times a week, but with that not an option, I’ve remembered there’s real pleasure in thoughtfully preparing food at home and sharing it with loved ones. I’ve been able to involve my 2.5-year-old in some of the process, which she enjoys so much that I don’t even mind the added clean up! 

– Lauren, Communications Manager

 

I learnt more about the strengths of my relationship

Since both my partner and I have been working from home for several months now, I was concerned as to what effect that would have on our relationship. However, a positive life lesson learnt during COVID-19 was that our love is stronger than a pandemic, that we have enjoyed our company more and more, and that we got to see each other’s work values, ethics and structure in a new way. I am excited to use the things I have learnt from him in a post-COVID-19 world.

– Ryan, Gambling Help Services Counsellor

 

I learnt to take stock of my spending habits

Pre-coronavirus, I was accustomed to tapping my card for unnecessary conveniences (AKA snacks) every day. These thoughtless purchases quickly added up to take a decent chunk out of my income. The last few months have allowed me to take stock of my spending habits and budget better to save for the important things.

– Adrien, Digital Marketing Coordinator

 

I learnt how important connecting with my family is

Even though we have been together far more than ever before, we’ve had to commit to finding pockets of genuine quality time with each other. It was a big discovery that the solution to being together all the time was spending even more time as a family, but it’s been really lovely forging even stronger ties through a period where we’ve needed to really lean on each other.

– Caitlin, Business Transformation Engagement Manager

 

I learnt to pause to enjoy nature

I learnt to take a few minutes away from my day-to-day activities to pause, go to my balcony, and admire the views of nature. Now I start my day with an awesome view and my favourite cup of coffee.

– Aniket, Web Developer

 

I learnt to throw myself into new challenges

During COVID, I’ve found myself with a lot more free time than I’ve had in the past. One of the most rewarding ways I’ve been spending that time is taking up new hobbies. I’ve been teaching myself to play guitar, and there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting out in the sun at the end of a long day and playing a little bit better than I did yesterday.

– Kristin, Marketing Communications Officer

 

I learnt to build motivation cues in the home office

Working consistently at home on my own meant I had to find different ways to keep up my motivation. One way I did this was how I designed my home office setup. Since I like a standing desk, I used our family games like Monopoly, LIFE, and Pirateology to make a safe, fun work place that gave me more inspiration. I also mixed it around if I had a project that needed a special flavour, like adding in the games of Battleships or Dixit if I was writing a funding proposal.

– Helen, Regional Manager

 

I learnt how adaptable people can be

The biggest thing I’ve learnt is that our clients are so adaptive, agile, and flexible. This has been a huge change and overall they’ve responded to our change in service delivery very positively.

– Sue, Head of Operations

 

Curious how COVID-19 workplace changes have impacted Aussies’ mental health? Find out here.