Prepare – Life during Coronavirus

STEPS:
1. Understand
2. Prepare
3. Engage
4. Persevere

HOW TO GET READY TO STAY AT HOME

Our government’s latest measures to tackle the coronavirus emergency requires us to stay at home and avoid unnecessary journeys or social contact. Complying with these rules is the socially-responsible decision but we are used to much greater freedom in our lives, so it’s not going to be an easy change to make. That’s why it’s important to prepare for this transition.  

The following checklist can help you feel more prepared:

• Food – Do you have food at home? Have you set up an online shopping account to have food delivered to you? Do you need help getting access to food?
• Cleaning – Do you have cleaning and essential other household supplies?
• Money – Do you need to budget for any higher bills or expenses while spending more time at home?
• Work – If you are working from home, have you considered any arrangements you need to make? If you can’t work from home, do you know your rights to payment or benefits?
• Medication – Have you got enough medication, or a way to get medication, if you need some?
• Health – Do you need to reschedule or make alternative arrangements (e.g. online appointments) for any planned therapy or treatments?
• Commitments – If need be, is there someone else who can help you care for any dependents in your home, walk your dog, or take care of any other responsibilities you may have?
• Connectivity – Do you have an emergency contact list for family, friends, neighbours, chemist, NHS 111, etc. should you need them?  
• Relaxation & Entertainment – Do you have what you need to keep yourself entertained, do something creative or just unwind?
• Car – Do you have enough petrol or diesel in your car?  

Work through this checklist to identify any actions you need to take now to make sure you can adjust to staying home without your mental or physical health suffering.

If someone in your household experiences symptoms of possible coronavirus or is already infected, please read this guidance from the NHS.

NOTE: This guide will be updated as necessary, so please avoid quoting or summarising its content in case it changes; instead share a link to the page directly. If you are a colleague and wish to contribute to this guide, please get in touch. If you find this guide helpful, please send me your comments, questions or suggestions. I can update and add to this series of blogs accordingly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Patapia Tzotzoli founded My Psychology Clinic where she gained her reputation working as Clinical Psychologist with clients on one to one basis in London and worldwide via online therapy. She specialises in adult mental health and couples therapy. Studied at the universities of East London, Oxford and Cambridge and trained at the Institute of Psychiatry where she worked across world-renowned NHS Trusts.

Click here to book an online session or in person with Dr Patapia Tzotzoli at My Psychology Clinic.