Give your mind a little TLC this May

M a y u s u a l l y b r i n g s l o t s o f opportunities to get out of the house and do something, whether that’s going for a run, taking the kids to play in the park or planning a trip out somewhere during the May bank holidays. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the world we’re used to suddenly looks very different. At times like these, it’s vital that we take care of our mental health and wellbeing.

Get a good night’s sleep

The theme for this May’s Mental Health Awareness Week is how to sleep better. Sleepless nights can be a common experience, whether that’s due to being a parent or having a snoring partner, and sometimes it can be due to anxiety. If we are anxious about anything including health or money worries, the lack of sleep can affect our mental health – it’s a vicious cycle. Take a look at mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/ten-toptips-good-sleep for tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

Seek help with problem finances

At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we know all too well the link between financial struggles and mental ill-health. If you have money worries, seek help sooner rather than later. There are lots of free debt counselling charities who can help and just taking this

first step can feel like a weight has been lifted. Have a look at moneysavingexpert.com/loans/ debt-help-plan for advice.

Make time to get outside

Sometimes being stuck indoors can make us feel tired and worn out with little energy. Advice from the NHS and mental health charity Mind says that being outside and having a chance to breathe fresh air can increase our energy levels and improve our mental health and wellbeing. Both the NHS and Mind websites have tons of great ideas for getting off the sofa, exercising and enjoying the health benefits of the outdoors. Find out more at nhs. uk and mind.org.uk/informationsupport/tips-for-everyday-living.

Create your own little garden haven

Gardening is an ideal way to get out in the fresh air, give your mind a little TLC and maybe even save some money if you choose to grow your own fruit and veg. Short on space? You can still create your own little garden spot. There are all sorts of vegetables that can be grown in small spaces – all you need is a tub, some soil and seeds. See gardenersworld.com/plants/ vegetable-seeds-to-sow-in-may for some ideas.

Get the kids involved in the garden

You’ll find lots of resources online to encourage the kids to go outdoors, gain a sense of achievement and boost their mental wellbeing too. Check out childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/ fun-things-to-do and make the most of National Children’s Gardening Week during the last week of May.

Be kind to yourself

With nationwide lockdowns, enforced social distancing and of course serious health concerns, the last few months have been a challenge across the world. Any emotions you may be feeling are valid and you’re not alone. So be kind to yourself – each step you take towards a more positive outlook will be worth it for your personal wellbeing and that of your family.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with hundreds of services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups, and support for people breaking habitual dependencies.

Visit capuk.org to find out more.

I’ve discovered Spotify and spent far too many hours making up my own personal play list. I also have a button on my new laptop marked Cortana – might press it to see what happens.

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

BY LOCAL RESIDENT, JANE STEVENSON

Firstly, thank you to all medical staff, carers, delivery people and all the other key workers, braving the outside world while we stay safe. Clapping on a Thursday night seems such a trivial way of supporting you, but it is heartfelt and makes us realise how lucky we are, in the safety of our own homes.

These are strange times; many of us bewildered, scared and unsure, while a minority still haven’t grasped the enormity of the situation.

At Stevenson Towers, the Other Half and I are missing our kids – Eldest calls in with our shopping once a week, and we chat from a distance of about 2 meters. Youngest is stuck in Bristol, existing on furlough wages. We are blessed in that they keep in touch. We video call them and try to maintain a degree of normality. However, a small phone screen is no substitute for a hug. All of you missing loved ones, just know you are keeping them safe by not physically contacting them.

This enforced isolation is an odd time. TV is full of repeats and virus updates - boring. You can have too much information sometimes.

What we’ve done is made use of technology in a way which would have scared me a few weeks ago. I’ve downloaded some colouring by number apps, and a couple of word games. I’ve mastered the Whatsapp video calling function and kept in touch with the BBC news, rather than the excessive scaremongering on Facebook. Never thought I’d make much use of my smart phone, but it has been a very useful tool recently.

I’ve braved the attic space and dragged out a load of jigsaws, some never opened, some old favourites. I’ve gone through my library and begun to read all the books I’d bought and stuck on the shelf. I’m learning again, which always combats my boredom. Thank goodness for Future Learn! The weather is good thankfully. Other Half and I have cleared out the garage, dug over the rockery, and replanted it. We’ve planted basic crops such as potatoes, tomatoes and beans. I’m experimenting with pear and melon seeds and am giving herbs another try (I cannot grow them for love nor money). All those jobs we put off have been done and we’ve surprised ourselves at our dexterity and skills. We have orderly cupboards and drawers, neat wardrobes and charity bags to go when we can get out and about again.

What I have discovered, in this situation, is that I take life at a slower pace. I sit in the garden and just listen – the traffic is light and barely a hum in the background. Next door’s pool pump provides a gently splashing background to my morning coffee. I refuse to dwell on anything that upsets me or generates unease. It is a defence against completely breaking down with the enormity of the circumstances we now live in.

I take walks with Other Half over the field near us. It’s a gentle exercise for both of us and brings with it opportunities to meet (at a safe distance) with others in our small enclave. It also brings humour; as when we stood on the motorway bridge last week and waved at the few vehicles on the road. Almost all either flashed their lights, hooted or waved out of the window. We felt good, and I hope it brought a smile to the drivers. It was noticeable, that most vehicles were supermarket delivery vans, police cars and lorries bring supplies to our shops.

And so we wait. No one knows when the lockdown will end, or how life will resume. My own feeling is that nothing will be the same again. Normal wasn’t working, so I wonder how we will change. We should be proud of ourselves – we’re coping.

LET’S ENJOY THE MOMENT

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