Strong Spirit, Safe Mob
Keep your spirit strong for you, your family and your community
It is more important than ever to focus on what keeps your spirit strong so you can help keep mob safe. This can look different for everyone, but here are some examples for you to consider:
Try and keep your worries at bay
Have a look at this worksheet to help you keep your worries at bay.
Prioritise your cultural, social and emotional wellbeing
Think about ways to connect with your culture, body, mind and emotions, family and ancestors. This could be connecting through art or having family send you something from country if you can’t be there. Consider what you need to feel most connected, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Stay connected
Reach out to Elders, family and mates for a yarn via phone, email or social media. Social distancing doesn’t mean that we can’t connect—we just have to find different ways to do it. There may be online networks that you can link in with that are based on your local community or interests. Start by having a look here.
Keep healthy
Stable routines, making sure that we get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and moving our body regularly can help us to keep our spirit and body strong. Have a look at resources like Gayaa Dhuwi Proud Spirit to help you stay healthy and strong during COVID-19, and encourage other mob to stay healthy too!
Embrace the extra time
Have you been meaning to learn your language or finish an art project? Or maybe you’ve needed a break for a while to rest and reset? If you have extra time, now is your chance. Check out this collection of deadly activities and resources to keep you and your mob busy wherever you may be isolating.
Download mental wellbeing apps
Take a look at Smiling Mind, Headspace and iBobbly, which was designed to support the social and emotional wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 15 years and over.
Breathe
Deep breaths, mindfulness and meditation can help to deal with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Aunty Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr talks about “dadirri” which is a spiritual practice from the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngen'giwumirri languages of the Aboriginal peoples of the Daly River region. It is inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness that offers peace. You can hear Aunty Miriam-Rose speak about dadirri in this video.
Engage in self-care
Self-care can be different for each person, but it’s so important to make sure we are prioritising our self-care to keep our spirit strong. Have a look at this worksheet to start or continue your self-care journey.
Be gentle with yourself
This is a collectively difficult time - some days, just getting through it is more than enough. It is okay to say no to things and rest even if your loved ones or people on social media are on a "productivity train". Focus on what you need to feel good each day, try and let go of guilt and pressure if it comes up, and reach out for help if you need.
Know what supports are out there
Part of staying strong and keeping mob safe is to know what services are available to support you and your family when you need it. If you or others have existing mental health conditions, make sure that you continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms. Look at the resources listed on this website.
This will pass
Many experts are working hard to contain COVID-19 and treat those affected. There are strong response plans in place nationally and locally to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities, designed in partnership with First Nations people. We are resilient, and we will get through this together.
Have fun!
During this stressful time, it's more important than ever to have a laugh. Have some fun and share joy with others too! Have a look at Sean Choolburra's video for some inspiration.
Stay informed with proper sources
Staying informed with news and updates can be helpful to create a sense of control and manage worry. It is important to get information from credible news sources, and limit how much we watch and read if it starts to get upsetting or overwhelming. Examples of credible resources are listed on this website.