Pandemic wellbeing

WELLBEING DURING COVID-19

Staying well and healthy during lockdown

Keeping focus

The past few weeks have been unsettling to say the least. During this time, it is particularly important for us to focus on keeping ourselves as well as possible, both mentally and physically.

Exercise

Physical activity can help to lift our mood, as well as adding a welcome structure to our day and resulting in a better night’s sleep. At the time of writing, outdoor exercise is permitted once a day, either alone or with one other member of your household. Getting outside can do wonders for our state of mind, whether it’s a walk around the block or a lunchtime bike ride.

Exercise indoors can also be very effective. There are countless YouTube channels that provide free home workouts, from Pilates to boxing to yoga.

Entertainment

Now could be a great time to explore your kitchen cupboards and see which ingredients you haven’t experimented with yet. Getting creative in the kitchen can be a great de-stresser, while helping you to get the most out of the items you have to hand. You can also explore the recipes available on our website to see if any provide inspiration.

Have any of the recent vegan-themed films and documentaries passed you by? Maybe you’ve yet to see Cowspiracy, Okja or The Game Changers. Take a look on any streaming sites you have access to or on the film’s website.

Community

We are all feeling the effects of being separated from most of our friends and family. If you have access to the internet but haven’t yet explored options such as Facebook and Skype, now is the perfect time to try. If you find navigating technology daunting, a friend or family member may be able to help you, even if it’s over the phone.

If you are aged 50 or over, the charity V for Life runs an excellent befriending service that can link you up with vegan phone friends or pen friends. If you’d like to find out more about this, call 0161 2570887.

Keeping positive

We are living through a very stressful and uncertain period, and it is OK to feel anxious and afraid. Sharing these worries with those close to us can help us to feel more peaceful.

Despite all the chaos, we can still try to focus on points of hope and contentment. Perhaps you are enjoying spending more time at home with your companion animals, or maybe you have picked up a craft or hobby you’ve been meaning to try for a while. Please do write in with any small silver linings you have found, and any tips for living in isolation which have been helping to keep you well.

For those of you who are struggling to stay positive, you may find that meditation or mindfulness helps. You can find information on how to get started on the NHS website. The Vegan Society is also here to provide support wherever we can. You can email us on info@vegansociety.com or call us Monday–Friday 9am–5pm on 0121 523 1730.