With Metropolitan Melbourne going into lockdown for the second time, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is here to help you get through this challenging time. 

While we are keeping physically distant, it is more important than ever that we remain socially and emotionally connected. 

Here are some practical tips and useful resources to help support your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19.
 

Stay active at home

Regular physical activity is important for your health and plays a huge role in keeping us mentally well. You should aim to do at least 30 minutes every day, and while you may not be able to go to the gym or participate in team sport, there are still ways to stay active:

• Get outside for a walk or run and just remember to keep the 1.5 metre distance and avoid busy areas.
• Try the Rise and Grind series, which is a set of easy to follow exercises that you can do at home, in the park or wherever is convenient.
• Join the free online yoga classes with our partner Reclink Australia every Tuesday and Friday at 11am. via their Facebook page.
• Join the free eight-week online Sons of the West health program commencing on July 13, for males living in Victoria’s West.

Cook a healthy homemade meal

Good nutrition is always important, but during stressful times there is nothing better than a tasty, healthy homemade meal. 

Need some recipe inspiration?  Here are some great websites to access:

• Better Health
• Live Lighter

Stay connected

Keep socially connected to friends and family via phone, social media, email, Zoom or Skype while you can’t visit them in person. Consider sending a message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.  

Keep entertained at home

Watch the recordings of the Play On Webinar Series, which covered a variety of topics including mental health, fitness, nutrition, leadership and resilience.

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained?  Download a range of Bulldogs printable activities and colouring in sheets 

Victoria Together shares some of the best music, entertainment, nature and art our state has to offer, which you can enjoy online at home.

Be aware of your drinking habits

As we continue to live in isolation, we need to keep an eye on how much alcohol we are drinking and its impact on us and our loved ones.

If new drinking habits that started during the COVID-19 lockdown continue over time, you could be at risk of developing an unhealthy reliance on alcohol. 

Try the Alcohol & Drug Foundation Drinking Calculator to find out how your drinking measures up. 

If you need help, just ask!  

If you feel like you aren’t coping and need someone to talk to, please see a GP or mental health professional, or head to beyondblue for more information. 

The Victoria University Psychology Clinic is open for new referrals, offering low cost psychology sessions via Telehealth with postgraduate psychologists in training.  These appointments are conducted via video call from your laptop, mobile phone or tablet.