If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from 2020, it’s that quarantine life can take its toll on your mental health. With that in mind, here are 7 tips we have to help you through this lockdown.
1. Have structure
With so much uncertainty in the world as to when normality will resume, it’s important to keep structure in your life. Try to keep it as strict as possible, but make it personal to you. Have a few things that you know you want to get done every day and work around those.
2. Establish a work life balance
It is also important to have a good work-life balance when things get hectic. When working from home, it can be hard to know when to switch off. This can apply to your job or to uni/college work. Set yourself a couple hours to do what you need to do, and then focus on other things. This is necessary to prevent your day merging into one long task, e.g. working while eating dinner or answering emails while cleaning.
3. Get enough sleep
Not being able to do a lot at the moment means it can be easy to fall into an unhealthy sleeping pattern. This could be sleeping a lot in the day, so you’re awake all night, or just sleeping in very late. Either way, it’s important to get at least 8 hours sleep so you can start your day in the correct way.
4. Gain a new hobby
While we have a little more time and we are all at home, it’s a good time to pick up a new hobby. This is the time to try something you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s painting, reading or yoga, now is the time to try something new. If you find it’s something you don’t enjoy, try something else – not everything will be for you.
5. Do the things you love
In times like these, when life doesn’t seem normal and may be stressful, it’s important to spend time doing things that make you happy. Doing new things and developing new hobbies/skills is always good, but doing things you know and love can be less daunting. You’re also guaranteed to enjoy it!
6. Get Outdoors
Government guidelines are currently allowing people to go outdoors once a day for exercise. This includes running, walking, cycling etc. Fresh air and being in the outdoors can improve your mood massively, especially due to the amount of time we are spending inside. Taking a walk on your own or with someone from your support bubble (where permitted) can be nice way to get outside.
7. Talk
Share how you’re feeling with those around you. It’s important to keep contact with loved ones if you live alone or don’t live at home. During the first lockdown, it was reported that over 50% of adults were feeling stressed or anxious. Talking to someone, whether that is a professional or a friend, can help relieve some stress you may be feeling.
In unprecedented times like these, we need to take time to take care of our mental health, as well as our physical health. It can be hard for a lot of people, so if you feel like you need some help from a professional or just someone to talk to, please reach out;
Samaritans: 116 123
Domestic Abuse UK: 0808 2000247
Child abuse Helpline: 0800 1111
Young Men’s Mental Health: 0800 58 58 58
Young Person’s Mental Health: 0800 068 4141
SANEline: 0808 808 4994
