Kate Byng-Hall puts together a mindful guide to help you through this testing time. | Mental Health and Mindfulness
Photo by Christopher Burns
On Monday the 23rd of March, Boris Johnson finally announced that the United Kingdom would be entering an increased level of enforced social distancing in response to the rapidly spreading Covid-19 virus.
Essentially the country went into lockdown for the foreseeable future, with people only allowed to leave the house to get food or medication, to exercise once a day, to go to work if they are a key worker, or help the vulnerable.
During this unprecedented period of national quarantine, everyone’s health could be compromised if we don’t look after each other and ourselves. Here is a guide to many activities you can try out to protect your physical, mental, and emotional health while social distancing.
What to do at Home
Get innovative with what you have around the house and get things done which you’ve been meaning to:
Dig out the board games
Try painting, drawing or colouring in
Do some baking (if you can find the ingredients)
Have a movie day – revisit classics or try things you’ve been meaning to watch
Spring clean and declutter
Sort out your book/movie/CD collection – you could find hidden gems
Learn the basics of a new skill such as a new recipe, language or even some code
Join some online pub quizzes for charity
Start a blog or podcast
Write a diary during lockdown to look back on
Make a scrapbook/photo album
Try some creative writing or poetry
Listen to full albums rather than just singles
Try upcycling or restyling old clothing items
Pick up a musical instrument or sing
Try a free online course with FutureLearn or OpenLearn
Get Outdoors
Being outside in nature is a very freeing experience, and should be valued at this time because it can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, and induces the release of serotonin and melatonin.
While our right to leave the house is limited for the time being, get out into the garden as much as you can, and use your daily exercise allowance wisely:
Try some outdoor yoga
Plant and grow some veg
Plant some wildflower seeds
Plant some sunflowers (you can buy seeds online)
Mow the lawn
Order some bird-food and set up some feeders
Have a picnic in the garden
Vary the routes you take for your daily exercise
Grow plants/flowers/cacti on windowsills or balconies if you don’t have a garden
Stay Connected
Retaining regular contact with friends and family is crucial during the tricky period of isolation, as it’s easy to feel alienated when you cannot meet people face to face. Get creative with how you can stay in touch:
Call elderly relatives who are in isolation just for a chat
Learn to knit and make a scarf for a loved one
Exchange music recommendations with friends
Try a book club – decide to read a book with someone and discuss it afterwards
Have a remote dinner party over a video call
Write letters and send cards to loved-ones
Protect the Mind
This shocking change to our way of life is bound to have adverse effects on our mental health. There are many possible ways to help your mind to stabilise during this uncertain time:
Stick to a healthy sleep schedule
Meditate daily; use online guides like Headspace if you need a helping hand
Maintain a healthy diet as opposed to comfort eating
Drink water regularly
Try and access online counselling if you need it
Keep your house tidy so it doesn’t become a chaotic or overwhelming space
Clean the house regularly to prevent spread of germs
Try breathing and mindfulness exercises if you are feeling panicked
Do not drink excessive alcohol as this can be damaging to your mental health
Join Elefriends if you need an online community to feel supported
Open the windows to get enough fresh air and reduce feelings of claustrophobia
Keep the mind stimulated through crosswords, quizzes, and reading
Find a ‘safe space’ in your house or garden where you can go if you feel at risk of having a panic attack
Receive ongoing support from therapists or healthcare professionals online
Get up at the same time every day in order to create a routine
Reduce the time you spend checking the news or social media for updates on the virus as this can aggravate anxiety or compulsions, and only rely on reliable sources
If you feel you need more support, consult the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s advice for dealing with anxiety related to the pandemic.
For more advice on how to stay safe during social distancing, consult the NHS, WHO, and government guidelines.
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