MONEY MATTERS

8 tips to help you prioritise your mental wellbeing in lockdown

Struggling in the latest lockdown?

While many were hopeful that things might get better in 2021, now that we have been plunged into another lockdown, for many, this has not been the case.

Given all that is going on, now is the time to pay attention to our mental wellbeing, and to focus on self-care.

Here are some tips to help you feel healthier and happier, and to help set you on the right track in these uncertain times.

1) Get into a routine

A helpful way to get through the latest lockdown - and especially if you are working from home - is by getting some structure into your day.

Getting up at a decent time, getting showered and dressed, and starting work at 9am can work wonders for your motivation. But also, be sure to take breaks throughout the day where you get up and move around, or better still, go outside.

2) Manage your work-life balance

Resist the temptation to work into the evening. Try and finish up around the same time as you normally would.

If work seems to be the main focus in your life right now, think about taking up a new hobby or other interest.

3) Exercise regularly

Walking, running, and cycling can all get you out of the house into the fresh air. Exercising outside helps to produce endorphins which can really help to lift your mood.

As part of your focus on your physical well-being, make sure you eat properly and stay well hydrated. And try not to hit the wine every night.

4) Put your phone down

Hard as it may be, try and put your phone down for a period each day, and give yourself a digital detox. Even a short break from technology is better than nothing. Better still, try turning your phone off for a few hours in the evening, and leave it switched off overnight.

5) Don’t go on a spending spree as a ‘pick-me-up’

In the depths of lockdown, you might feel that going online and buying new shoes, clothes, bags, gadgets or gizmos may make you feel happier. But you need to tread carefully. Online shopping can offer a little escapism, but over time, retail ‘therapy’ could get very costly, and you could end up spending money you do not have.

Saying ‘no’ to yourself and exercising some self-restraint can help you stay within your budget - and this can be very beneficial for your mental health.

6) Take stock of your finances and reduce stress

To reduce stress caused by your money situation, it may help to get a clear understanding of your financial priorities.

This can help improve both your financial - and mental - wellbeing. Taking back control will be an important part of this.

A good starting point involves writing a list of the things you would like to address.

If one of your goals is to reduce expenditure, make sure you are getting a good deal on all your outgoings, such as energy, life insurance, car and home insurance, and so on.

7) Open up and talk about money

If you are struggling financially due to the pandemic, your instinct may be to keep your money worries to yourself. For some couples - perhaps where one partner now must rely on the other partner to keep them both going financially, having lost their own income through redundancy or reduced hours - starting the conversation about money will be a necessity.

Sharing a problem really can help matters - so make a pledge to be more open with your other half, to re-evaluate your financial position, set goals together, and check in monthly together to see what progress you are making.

8) Talk to friends and relatives - and the professionals

While you might feel you need to be strong for those who depend on you, suffering alone during lockdown will only add to the pressure you are under.

If possible, try sharing your situation - and your fears and worries - with friends or family.

And don’t be afraid of seeking professional help.