Mental Health during Lockdown.

The lockdown across the country has been a very difficult time for all of us, which has had an impact on our day to day life some way or form mainly on our mental wellbeing. It has been a real eye opener, putting things into perspective for me. Many of us are experiencing different emotions about the Coronavirus pandemic. This including uncertainty particularly when the pandemic is going to end, the government restrictions for instance feelings of loneliness brought on by social distancing and lastly the notion of getting sick from the virus. 

It is a difficult and strange time for everyone therefore, changes to our daily routine and anxiety are all normal responses to the circumstances. However, recognising or understanding which parts are quite difficult are crucial steps in improving your overall mental wellbeing. 

Taking care of your mental health during coronavirus 

These are some tips for looking after your mental health during this unprecedented time. I have personally benefitted from these tips. Not only has it helped manage stress but my overall mental health. However, not all these ideas will work for everyone, it is therefore crucial to avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself and follow the tips that are comfortable for you.

 

Staying in touch with friends and family 

 • Maintaining a healthy relationship with people you trust is crucial for one’s mental wellbeing. Keeping in touch with loved ones by arranging to speak to different people each week, gives you something to look forward to, which stops you feeling withdrawn and isolated from the world as speaking to friends and families can be a very good mental boost. For example, reaching out to distant relatives, old colleagues, and friends to say “HI” can be very beneficial. 

 • There are also ways in adapting to the current climate for instance, there are many innovative ways to keep your social lives going. Catch ups, games nights can all be done through video call and through multiple apps and services, which allows individuals to catch up fun remotely. 

 Sleep 

• It is crucial to get enough sleep as it plays a significant role to our overall mental wellbeing. Though, quite often we tend to fall into bad sleep cycles due to stress, disrupted sleep schedule and excess screen time. It is therefore important to focus on maintaining a regular bedtime routine and avoiding such habits. 

 • Keeping regular sleep hours, Creating restful environments, Confronting sleepiness, which includes not forcing it, Writing down your worries to help put your mind to rest, Being physically active and Lastly avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages particular, before bedtime can have a significant health as well as mental health benefit. 

 Staying physically active 

• With the closure of gyms and the daily commute for majority of us cancelled, it can be more difficult to stay active. The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 need to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. Home workouts in these times are a very good way to stay healthy, thus killing indoor time. 

 • Many online sources are offering free access to workout videos, which are highly beneficial getting involved in new activities this including cleaning your home, dancing to music or going up and down the stairs. 

 • Brisk walking, running, riding a bike and even yoga. Yoga is very beneficial and helps with mindfulness and the body, as it not only allows for you to focus on your breathing but it enables you to relax, which aids in stimulating your overall nervous system. 

 Keeping busy 

 • Though it can be considerably difficult to feel productive and motivated at this time. Keeping the mind active can have positive impact on your mental health. Focussing on your favourite hobby or even learning something new can help with anxious feelings and thoughts which can ultimately boost your mood. 

 • Keeping the mind active for instance, playing games, reading, writing, cooking, blogging can also be very therapeutic. So, it is crucial in finding the best one that works for you and giving it a try! 

 Advice

 It is important to understand that even if you feel fine majority of the time, there may be some moments where your mood changes. Whether you start to feel anxious, worried, overwhelmed or even low. it is imperative to recognise and remember that you are not alone. Speaking to a professional or loved one can help with feeling more relaxed. 

On occasions where you cannot speak to someone. Breathing exercises can help as doing these few times can help soothe and calm worried and anxious mind.