MY 6 SURVIVAL TIPS

PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Don’t waste energy trying to change the unchangeable. Instead, concentrate on things within your reach that can make a positive difference. Every day, write down three things you are grateful for and one thing that you are struggling with but learning from.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

When things are tough, you can slip into self-criticism. When you hear yourself acting this way, imagine how your best friend would speak to you, and what reassurance they would offer. This soothes the self, instead of attacking it.

CALM PANIC QUICKLY

Try the 54321 method of bringing yourself back to the present – name five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can feel, two you can touch and one you can taste. This will help to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

USE WHATEVER HELPS You’ve done this before, so think about what got you through the first lockdown. Ask yourself, “What strategies did I use? And what worked well?” Activating these will reduce feelings of helplessness.

TALK TO FRIENDS

If you find yourself struggling, share your feelings in a safe and respectful place. You will unburden yourself, while giving your friends permission to do the same.

ACCEPT THAT IT’S TOUGH This is a difficult situation, so let yourself feel sad, frustrated, lonely, angry and everything in between. Allowing yourself these feelings means you can think of ways to move through them. I promise you can do this!