Lockdown advice

With another national lockdown, this time in deep winter, many families will be feeling anxious and worried. Emma suggests ways to reduce fears, and to stay physically and mentally happy together

We have endured a relentless year and many of us will feel we’re back to square one in this third national lockdown. With miserable weather, early nights, uncertainty around jobs, the strain of homeschooling, plus managing kids’ expectations around their education and social life, we need to inject some positivity into January – and we can!

KEEP ACTIVE FOR YOUR WELLBEING

Firstly, are you genuinely practising self-care? A healthy body equals a healthy mind, and never more so than now. Plan your meals, and if you have kids, get them involved. Every age group from toddlers to teens will be feeling bored and frustrated, and family activities can boost morale and build a family team spirit. Agree on a healthy menu, and give all family members a role to play in meal preparation and you’ll have less arguing and more satisfaction. If budgets are tight, download free recipe apps for one-pot meals, which are quick, easy, nutritious and cheap.

The sun doesn’t shine much in winter, but you still need to get outside as much as you can. You may not feel like a long walk on cold days, but if you can get the family outside, you will all get daylight on your skin, which will increase energy levels and improve sleep.

Exercise can seem like a slog, but even ten minutes a day can become a healthy habit that improves your mental wellbeing. If you don’t fancy streaming free cardio or yoga sessions on YouTube, just play your favourite music and dance around your living room. I still do this with my boys at 18 and 16, because it reminds us all that even in the most challenging of times we still have each other, and we can laugh and dance together.

Try to have as many positive conversations as possible with people who make your life better, too. I used to text people, but now I pick up the phone or organise a video chat, because hearing someone’s voice or seeing someone’s friendly face can make your day so much better.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT TEACHING YOUR KIDS

If you are homeschooling again, I advise picking your battles wisely. I unashamedly admit that my kids have been left to their own devices as I, like most of us, need to work. Initially, I drew up a schedule where my boys worked to my timeframes, but I realised over the last lockdown that they work better in the afternoon, so I now allow them to work smarter as opposed to longer. I help them develop an effective schedule and check that they are keeping up with their daily timetable. If this is all you can offer right now, don’t beat yourself up.

You are not a teacher, and it takes years to qualify as one because it’s a challenging role, so go easy on yourself.

DON’T GET DRAGGED INTO SQUABBLES

If you have little ones, avoid having them sit in front of technology all day, because their developing brains and bodies need lots of different types of stimulation. Screens alone won’t burn off energy and give the imagination boost that is required for a happy child. Create a crafting corner, and get them outside to play as much as you can. If your child can read, encourage them to do so and engage with them regarding what is happening in the book. Discussing their interests is

also fantastic for bonding.

Don’t get involved in silly squabbles. Things are tough emotionally, psychologically and socially for children of all ages, so extra compassion is required. As long as your children aren’t physically hurting one another, allow them to sort out their own fallouts, as this builds resilience and means you won’t be dragged into unnecessary arguments that will drain your emotional energy and get you nowhere.

FIND WAYS TO ESCAPE

You may feel able to keep your emotions in control, but give your kids some leeway, as they are much more likely to struggle to navigate this strange new world. They are likely to be more emotional, shouty, or withdrawn. That’s OK so long as you keep communicating with them and offering a safe space to explore their emotions.

Try to avoid negative coverage of the pandemic, as this can be harmful and the content you consume is within your control. You are likely reading this because Closer helps you to escape, and that’s a good thing. Find other ways to do that, whether it’s watching a boxset that lifts your spirits, a favourite comedy show, or repeats of a series that reminds you of your childhood. Sitting down as a family is soothing and connects you, while anything that makes you giggle is helpful.

SCHEDULE SOME DIGITAL-FREE DAYS

Social media can be amazing, but it can also be detrimental. So if scrolling leaves you angry, worried or sad, put your device down and agree as a family to have occasional cyber-free days. Devote a whole day to having fun together. You could go on a nature trail, play outdoor games, or get the Monopoly board out. Just allowing your brain some scroll-free space can make a world of difference to even the bleakest of moods.

Even though the start to 2021 isn’t the one we all hoped for, remember that with every passing day we are moving closer to spring, where everything will come to life and blossom once again.