These are unprecedented times that we’re living in so it’s really important to look after your mind and soul.
Here are five useful tips that might help you to take care of your mental health as the country remains in lockdown and continues to practice social distancing.
1. Keep a routine
This is also the case whilst not in lockdown during a global crisis, but is even more important during these strange times.
Whether it be having a healthy sleeping pattern, attending (virtually) all your university lectures and seminars or just eating three meals at the right times in the day – a normal routine helps to keep you productive and focused, distracting you from the somewhat surreal days we’re living through.
2. Get moving!
This is another tip that is just as important during non-pandemic living but even more so currently.
The government guidelines say you’re allowed to go out for one piece of exercise a day so maybe go for a run or walk in a park or some countryside, wherever is available to you.
That being said, you can still exercise from home too. Joe Wicks’ morning workout sessions seem to be all the rage – or if you fancy something more relaxed then try some yoga, YouTube offers loads of classes if you’re new to it.
Regardless of what you do, it will help you to clear your head and take your mind off the stress of lockdown whilst also making you feel better and that’s scientifically proven.
3. Stay in touch with friends
Feeling isolated in lockdown is hardly surprising and completely normal – even when you’re in a house with your whole family.
It’s good to keep in contact with your friends, group calls on Zoom seem to be popular and help restore some normality to your life – as if you’re having a drink with your mates in the Gooseberry Bush.
Just hearing someone else’s voice can really lift your mood and make you feel less cut off.
What’s more, asking a friend “how are you doing?” or “are you okay?” can make a big difference to their life without the person who’s asking even realising.
Long story short – talk.
4. Focus your built-up energy into something you’re interested in
Staying indoors for long periods of the day can drive you stir-crazy at times, so it’s key to focus yourself and do something that you will feel has benefitted you – providing a sense of achievement afterwards.
Try to improve a skill that you have, or learn something completely new that you’ve always had your eye on. This could be learning a new language, how to embroider clothes or how to finally become TikTok famous.
5. Try not to spend too much time on social media or watching the news
Now bear with me because as a journalism student, this sounds like a strange thing to say, but there is a limit to the amount of news or social media that is good for you.
Of course, stay informed.
However, during this crisis period we’ve found ourselves in where much of the news on TV, Facebook, Twitter, and others is negative – it’s helpful to know when to switch off.
Watching too much news or checking your social media feeds too often can make you feel like you’re surrounded by negativity, causing you to feel stressed or anxious.
Sometimes it’s good to switch off for a while and take a breather.
Hopefully, you’ve found this helpful – it’s not the be-all and end-all, just some useful tips.
If you’re still looking for some more information, then take a look at advice from Mind, Young Minds or The Mental Health Foundation.
Words by Pete Trifunovic
Feature image credit: Unsplash