How to be kind to your mind in lockdown
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
WITH the UK in its third lockdown in less than a year, having good mental health is more important now than ever. But supporting your own mental wellbeing is not always easy. Many of us aren’t just worried about catching the virus, we’re worried about the wellbeing of our loved ones and even our finances. We have to cope with the boredom of lockdown and the feelings of frustration or loneliness that come with that. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently. Remember, for most of us, these feelings will pass. Staying at home may be difficult, but we’re helping to protect ourselves and others by doing it. There are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel if you’re staying at home.
Here are some ways to make coping a little bit easier from the NHS’s Every Mind Matters website:
Plan practical things
If you are unable to get to the shops, work out how you can get any household supplies you need.
You could try asking neighbours or family friends, or find a delivery service.
Continue accessing treatment and support for any existing physical or mental health problems where possible. Let services know you are staying at home, and discuss how to continue receiving support.
If you need regular medicine, you might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone, or online via a website or app. Contact your GP and ask if they offer this. You can also ask your pharmacy about getting your medicine delivered, or ask someone else to collect it for you. If you support or care for others, either in your home or by visiting them regularly, think about who can help out while you are staying at home. Let your local authority know if you provide care or support someone you do not live with.
Stay connected with others
Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing.
Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.
Talk about your worries
It’s normal to feel a bit worried or scared about the current situation. Remember: it is okay to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too.
If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.
See: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/ mental-health-helplines/
Look after your body
Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and stay active. Physical activity can really help to boost your mood, and there’s lots of workouts online that you can do from your own home. And try to avoid smoking, drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
For more tips and support to look after your body, search NHS Better Health.
Stay on top of difficult feelings
Concern about the coronavirus outbreak and your health is normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can affect their day-to-day life.
Try to focus on the things you can control, such as how you act, who you speak to and where you get information from.
It’s fine to acknowledge that some things are outside of your control, but if thoughts about the situation are making you feel anxious or overwhelmed, try some ideas to help manage your anxiety.
For tips and advice to stay on top of difficult feelings, search Every Mind Matters.
Try not to overwhelm yourself and use only trusted news sources
You could set yourself a specific time to read updates and be mindful of how you are consuming news depending on your mental health. Fact-check information from social media or other people.
Check your employment and benefits rights
You may be worried about work and money while you have to stay home – which can have a big effect on your mental health.
If you have not already, you might want to talk with your employer. Find out about government support for businesses and self-employed people, and understand your sick pay and benefits rights.
Carry on doing things you enjoy
If we are feeling worried, anxious, lonely or low, we may stop doing things that we usually enjoy.
Make an effort to focus on your favourite hobby if it is something you can still do at home. Or start a new hobby: read, write, do crosswords or jigsaws, bake, or try drawing and painting. Whatever it is, find something that works for you.
Take time to relax
This can help with difficult emotions and worries, and improve our wellbeing. Relaxation techniques can also help deal with feelings of anxiety. For relaxation techniques, search Every Mind Matters
And get good sleep
Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel, so it’s important to get enough. Try to maintain your regular sleeping pattern and stick to good sleep practices.
For tips and advice on how to get good sleep, search Every Mind Matters