The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for us all and whilst we are all experiencing the pandemic differently, it is understandable that you might be feeling anxious and worried about coronavirus and that it could be affecting your mental health.
Here are some of the ways you can take care of your mind during lockdown:
- Stay connected: Maintaining relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. If you can’t meet in person, think about how you can stay in touch with friends and family via telephone, video calls or social media instead – whether it’s people you normally see often or connecting with old friends.
- Keep physically active: Your physical health can have a big impact on how you’re feeling. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise inside where possible or outside once a day. There are lots of zoom sessions online, try Peacock Pilates or 12×3 IGTV boxing workout series.
- Look after your sleep and take time to relax: Try to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep good sleep practices – like avoiding screens before bed, cutting back on caffeine and creating a restful environment. Relaxation techniques can also help some people to deal with feelings of anxiety try a zoom sound bath with Crystal Sound Lounge, you’ll sleep like a baby.
- Manage your media and information intake: 24/7 news and social media can make you more worried. If you find this is affecting you, try to limit the amount of time you spend keeping up with what’s going on.
- Talk about your worries: It is quite common to feel worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. Remember that this is a difficult time for everyone and sharing with family and friends how you are feeling and the things you are doing to cope can help them too. If you don’t feel able to do that, there are people you can speak to such as the Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau based in Paddington for financial advice or via the NHS recommended helplines.
- Keep your mind active: Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles, sudokus, jigsaws or drawing and painting. Find something that works for you.
- Get outside or bring nature in: Spending time in green spaces can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. Sit in your garden if you can, open windows to let in fresh air or look at a nice view or some photos. Keep the kids entertained and hunting for Paddington Bear with a Pawprint Trail walk around Paddington.
- Take action for happiness: Stay calm, be wise, be kind. Let’s take action to look after ourselves and each other as we face this global crisis. We may be physically apart, but we can still be together. Learn more or download the app at actionforhappiness.org
The government has published advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for more information click here.
