How to look after your mental health in this lock down
With everything that’s going on in the world, it is easy to have feelings of anxiety and loneliness, and to potentially feel a little bit overwhelmed. While being on top of our studies and maintaining our physical health, it is crucial not to forget about our mental health.
The government has instructed us to stay at home and only go out for food and essential work. This means that more of us will be spending more time at home (mainly watching Netflix) and many of our regular social activities will no longer be available to us. There are many things you can do, to look after your mental health, for the duration of this lock down and beyond. Many of these resources are available on the internet, below are a few ideas which I found particularly useful.
Rumours and speculations can fuel anxiety so try avoid getting carried away by these, and always try to look up reputable sources to get your news. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control, and can steer you away from spreading potentially false information. Advise on hygiene, such as washing our hands with soap for 20 seconds (sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to help you) whenever we sneeze, cough or eat should be second nature to us by now, but it’s crucial that we don’t forget it’s importance.
Get outside. For the moment we only have the allowance of one outdoor activity per day, make the most of it! Going for a run or a walk while listening to a podcast or some relaxing music can be a really great way to clear the mind. When you come back not only will you physically feel better, but will also be mentally much fresher, and ready to take on the rest of the day!
Don’t spend time scrolling through social media. While we have a whole lot of time on our hands, try avoiding the noise and hysteria social media has to offer. This links in with the idea of potentially spreading false information, and can often leave us feeling more overwhelmed than we’d like. Instead why not try reading a book, or listening to a new podcast to keep your mind engaged. This can be a great way to learn something new and who knows, maybe this could be the start of something new in your life !
Practice mindfulness - taking just 10 minutes out of your day to focus on some deep breathing and calming the mind has shown to be beneficial in calming anxieties and worries. Self-meditation can be hugely beneficial, and it something I would recommend you incorporate into your daily routines, during and after the lock down. There are also some resources such as Headspace or Calm which are great to listen to just before bed, and can guide you through new meditation practices which you may not be familiar with.
