MENTAL HEALTH IN LOCKDOWN

Mental health in lockdown

COVID-19 has made life increasingly difficult for a lot of people, and this third lockdown is hitting harder than ever for some. The weather is dull and dark, and the nights are longer, making getting outside a daunting task. Feelings of uncertainty and isolation can have negative impacts on your mental health. It is important to look after your physical and mental health, especially during lockdown. Mental health can affect you at any point in your life and it is important to have tools to rely on when things get tough.

Here are Stay Connected’s tips for improving your mental health during lockdown:

Routine

Keeping a solid routine can really help reduce stress levels. Perhaps get a paper diary or whiteboard and try planning your week day-by-day. What do you want to achieve that day? This can help keep you feel on track and you feel accomplished at the end of the day when you have ticked off all your to do’s. With a routine enjoy better sleep, with none of the worry during the night that you have still things to do.

Keep in touch

Staying in touch with friends, relatives and loved ones is always important, but now more so than ever. Not only will it boost your mood, but it can also be very beneficial for the recipient of the call. There are so many different ways to stay in touch, but you can make it exciting by incorporating different themes such as pub quiz night.

Stay fit

Gyms are shut and it's cold outside. Although it may seem a lot more appealing to stay in the warm, exercise is essential to keeping you at a steady weight as well as in a good mood. Cleaning is a good form of exercise that does not require going outside; actions like sweeping and mopping are good at burning calories. Use household items as weights if you don’t have access to dumbbells at home. Youtube is specifically great for DIY at home workouts too, such as yoga or high intensity workouts, just chose whatever suits your goals best.

Do things you enjoy

Hobbies are an excellent way to add excitement and passion into your day. When you feel low or anxious is it easy to forget about doing things you enjoy. The new year is here so why not start a new hobby, even starting a new hobby with those you live with can be really therapeutic. For example: baking, needle felting or any type of crafting can be a shared hobby.

Relax and be mindful

Although for many, life will still be as hectic and as jam packed as usual, but it is important to make time for yourself. To relax and unwind try running a bath and making it luxurious, with bubble bath, a face mask and light a candle at the end of the day.

Join an online club

If you are struggling with feeling isolated during lockdown, online clubs can give you a sense of community and companionship. Online book clubs have really taken off during lockdown, and Stay Connected’s favourite book club is Rees Witherspoons book club @ reesesbookclub. She posts book reviews each month via pictures on Instagram.

Reach out for help

Samaritans are a UK based charity, that help people who are struggling to cope. No matter if its day or night they are only a phonecall away. The volunteers are non-judgemental and are an objective ear to listen and help in times of need.

www.samaritans.org