It's necessary, of course, but can test our mental health if we aren't looking after ourselves properly.

Philip Worrad, Western NSW Local Health District's rural mental health coordinator for the Parkes and Lachlan Shires, said it has been a very stressful time for many people in the Central West, and it was important people found ways to care for themselves.

"The growing presence of COVID-19 and the imposed lockdowns and restrictions in the Central West are exacerbating mental health problems within our communities," he said.

"A few weeks ago, Lifeline recorded its highest number of calls in the organisation's history raising the alarm for mental health workers.

"The tragic reality is that professional mental health services are increasingly difficult to access within rural NSW.

"Many people find themselves feeling trapped; aware of their diminishing mental ill-health with no clear pathway to care.

"Evidence shows that if people practice simple self-care strategies to prevent their sliding toward mental ill-health, they will likely avoid the angst of seeking professional help," said Mr Worrad.

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Former Parkes Champion Post journalist, and current Parkes Shire councillor, Bill Jayet, took the beautiful header photo on a walk in North Parkes (a track to the water tank above our water treatment plant) with family last week.

There is also an easy scenic walk through to the Wellington Road that is looking particularly gorgeous this time of year.

How beautiful is our region!

Mask-wearing, working from home and social distancing are effective measures to stem the spread of coronavirus but they can have unwanted side-effects, so if you're feeling confused, overwhelmed or frustrated, you're not alone.

Mr Worrad provided some suggestions for dealing with lockdown, and practicing a bit of self-care.

Not everyone loves exercise, but it's great for our mental health. If your dog refuses yet another walk, try something different!

There are some great apps and YouTube channels that provide ideas for working out at home with minimal equipment, and for those more fitness-inclined, set yourself a weekly challenge to keep yourself motivated and achieving great things.

Let's not forget we have a beautiful region in which to walk and run too - with the canola blooming it is positively stunning outside at the moment.

Suggestions: Nike Training Club (app), Full Fitness (app), Yoga with Adriene (YouTube), Northparkes park run circuit, Memorial Hill walk in Parkes

When you're stressed, thinking plays havoc with your body and emotions. Take time to find your inner peace, which looks different for all of us. If meditation isn't your thing, relax with a cuppa and focus on what you can feel, see and hear. Herbal and green teas in particular can be very calming and help you feel like your healthiest self.

Suggestions: Smiling Mind (app), Plum Village (app), Insight Timer (app), WTF is Mindfulness Meditation? (YouTube), T2 'The Quiet Mind' (tea), T2 'Gorgeous Geisha' (tea)

This is a great time to lose yourself in something you enjoy, or even find yourself a new hobby! We here at the Parkes Champion Post love reading a good non-fiction history book, getting our thumbs green in the garden or doing a diamond dotz painting (watch out for RSI on your wrist!).

Suggestions: Reading, drawing, jigsaw puzzles, Paint By Numbers kit from paintplot.com.au, baking, gardening

Generosity reduces stress and enhances self-worth, but with all the restritctions you'll have to think creatively. Drop things around to your neighbour without breaking social distancing, or make sure you are always checking in with your friends - sometimes you won't know what's bubbling under the service unless you ask.

Suggestions: Drop off baked goods to your neighbours, regular Zoom chats, group quiz online with your family and friends.

The media and social media can do your head in. Stay informed but limit your exposure to a couple of times a day.

Suggestions: use trusted news sources such as the Parkes Champion Post, Health Direct healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus or the Western NSW Local Health District facebook.com/wnswlhd.

Sometimes it can all feel too tough even if you are practicing self-care.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

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