How to Look After Your Mental Health During Lockdown

Life as we once knew it has been disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing and self-isolation may lead some to feel lonely and cut off from society whilst also constantly worrying about family and friends. With this in mind, we have compiled a few tips to help you look after your mental health during lockdown.

Limit News Consumption

We are being bombarded with 24 hour and live news coverage of the pandemic. It is easy to feel as if nothing else happening in the world.  There is also a problem with misinformation so be mindful of the websites and sources you are visiting. Try to stick to government and official health pages.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or confused, we recommend limiting the amount of time you spend consuming the news. Set aside particular times during the day to check in with what is happening if you want to keep up to date.

As news articles are also commonly shared on social media it is a good idea to limit your social media usage.

Establish a Daily Routine

With so many people being advised to stay at home, normal routines have been disrupted. It’s important to establish a new routine, this will help structure your day, make you feel productive and maintain some sense of normality

If you’re studying or working from home, your daily routine may be largely structured already but it is important to plan what you are going to do outside of this. Set aside time during the week to do certain tasks such as clearing out a wardrobe or doing meal preparation.

Learn Something New

To take your mind away from it all, you could distract yourself by learning a new skill. A great example would be to learn a new language using apps such as Duolingo, alternatively you could teach yourself how to play a new musical instrument. It’s all about keeping your brain stimulated and away from sources of negativity.

Stay Connected

Our daily interactions with other are extremely limited, especially those who live alone. Even though you are unable to spend time with your friends or family in person does not mean you can’t call or talk with them online. Arrange regular video chats or engage in group conversations so you can update each other on how you are coping.

Declutter

Now is the perfect time to clear out that spare bedroom and get rid of or donate items you no longer use. Cleaning can offer a respite from the stress of the ongoing situation. This will help you feel productive and you will be proud of yourself for finally doing something you’ve been putting off for months.

Exercise

We recognise that having motivation to exercise when you’re feeling low or anxious can be a challenge, but it can do wonders for your mood. You can go for a walk, run, cycle or exercise within your home. There are plenty of online fitness and yoga classes available that you can use for inspiration and guidance.

Don’t be Too Hard on Yourself.

The most important thing during this crisis is self-care and looking after your own wellbeing. If you find there are days where you don’t feel up to going on that morning walk or sticking to your routine, it is important not to beat yourself up. Cut yourself some slack and recognise that you can start again tomorrow.

We hope you’ve found this guide on how to look after your mental health useful. Remember to stay safe, we’re all in this together.

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