If hashtags were to ever serve as a source of inspiration and become almost like something to live by, then #gratefulthankfulblessed would have to be one to remember. As difficult and distressing as the current health crisis may be, Law of Attraction practitioners very often note that cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help raise one’s vibration. “Gratitude connects you with a vibration of abundance rather than one of lack, getting you into a frame of mind that promotes openness, growth, and positive change” (lawofattraction.com). If you’re feeling low and need a reminder that there truly is a lot of good in the world, taking a few moments to feel grateful for all the things that bring you joy rekindles our need for hope, positivity and love in our lives.
For our Pinoy kapamilya who may be struggling with surviving the lockdowns, going through bereavement or who may be deeply concerned about not just contracting coronavirus but also suffering from anxiety and mixed messages regarding vaccination, Dr Ross Walker recommends that along with a positive attitude, maintaining healthy and established routines, sharpening your lifestyle skills, developing new skills and doing an online course may help lighten the burden many are experiencing during this current predicament.
Refocusing on wellbeing, health experts also recommend the following practices to maintain positive mental health: 1. Connect with family and friends or other supports in your community, 2. Look after yourself through good nutrition and healthy meals, 3. Don’t over-indulge in alcohol or comfort foods, 4. Make sure you have time out to relax, unwind and do activities that you enjoy, 5. Have a range of self-care strategies like cups of tea, time with your pets, getting outside in the sunshine or reading a book, 6. Try to minimise exposure to the extensive COVID-19 content on Social Media: ensure you have access to accurate and current information from reliable sources, and 7. Practice mindfulness. Likewise, given that prolonged sitting is not good for our health either, along with regular exercise and nurturing a mindset of peace and happiness, Dr. Walker’s ‘5 Keys To Good Health’ also serve an important reminder to help uplift one’s spirits during these challenging times.
As the coronavirus continues to be a major issue for all of us, particularly our fellow kababayan in Blacktown (NSW) and Tarneit (Victoria) which have some of the highest numbers of cases in the country, the FILCCA Board through the leadership of President Carmen Garcia would like to reach out as a gesture of support and solidarity to say thank you for all that you do in your respective communities, states and territories and for the Filipino-Australian community as a whole. We can get through this by staying strong in our faith alongside being filled with love and gratitude. #gratefulthankfulblessed #strongertogether #FilCCApamilya
Links to health and wellbeing support for multicultural communities:
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line by SA Health to assist anyone feeling overwhelmed or needing additional support during the coronavirus pandemic. This support line is available from 8am – 8pm, 7 days per week by calling 1800 632 753 or using the online chat services at www.SACOVIDMentalHealth.org.au
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (the Embrace Project): CALD mental health and suicide prevention information and services for multicultural communities https://www.embracementalhealth.org.au/community
ASKPEACE: Relationships Australia SA provides a mental health support line for culturally and linguistically diverse consumers called ASKPEACE. Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm by calling (08) 8245 8110 by completing an online enquiry form at www.rasa.org.au/services/all-services/askpeace/; or self-wellness questionnaire https://www.rasa.org.au/self-wellness-test/
StudyAdelaide website for information specific to international students https://studyadelaide.com/whats-happening/covid-19-information-international-students
Anahata Community 