09/03/2023
🔵 Flu Blues 🔵
Does anyone find that their mood drops/changes when you’re feeling under the weather?
Having a cold or flu can mimic symptoms of depression. You may experience sleep changes, loss of appetite, fatigue, mental fogginess and restlessness when you are sick. The key difference when experiencing the blues related to having a cold is, that the symptoms lift when the illness passes.
Some quick tips for navigating mood and flu symptoms:
* Getting some natural light/sunshine to help with the release of serotonin which is a natural mood enhancer. Try sitting by a window or outside for 5-10 mins at a time to be exposed to the sun ☀️
* Connecting with family or a friend online. Reach out to your support system over text or video call for a chat or laugh 🤳
* Gentle exercise if you’re well enough for some movement, try a small walk or stretching which can be helpful for relief of aches and pains and potential release of endorphins 🧘🏼♀️
* Using the senses for coping with our thoughts and feelings. Listening to our favourite music, putting on a candle, using a heat pack, running a bath, wrapping ourselves up in a fluffy blanket 🕯️
* Look after your basic self care needs e.g showering each day, keeping hydrated, eating nutritious food 🍜
Please seek medical and/or psychological advice for your symptoms, particularly if they are persistent or increase in severity after a couple of days 🫶🏼
