Ways to look after your mental health during lockdown

Everyone is missing their friends and family, and a good chat is one way to give yourself a boost. Sometimes it can be hard to admit you’re struggling, so arrange to check in with one friend to see how they are – and they can do the same for you.

And why not set up a Whatsapp group for friends and family who enjoy a particular TV show? It’s a simple way to get together and have an “event” to look forward to.

It’s normal to feel a bit scared about the current situation. And it’s OK to share your concerns with others you trust – remember, doing so may help them talk about theirs too.

But if you feel like you don’t want to burden others who are having a hard time too, there are plenty of helplines you can try.

The Samaritans offers confidential support: call free 24 hours a day on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. water and stay active – and try to avoid smoking, drugs or drinking too much alcohol.

Physical activity can help to boost your mood, but often it’s the last thing you feel like doing when you just want to stay in bed and block out the day. There are lots of workouts you can do at home, so try to get into a habit when you’re having a better day. An online PE session first thing can give you a lift for the day ahead.

Find a type of exercise you enjoy – that’ll make it easier to motivate yourself. Write down how you feel at the start and then compare that with how you’re doing afterwards.

For more tips and support to look after your body, search NHS Better Health.

Remember, feeling worried about things just now is normal. But you might be experiencing intense anxiety that can affect your day-to-day life. If so, try to focus on the things you can control, such as how you act, who you speak to and where you taking extra time to look after your own health is one thing you can control, so concentrate on the small things you can do to make the situation better.

For tips and advice to cope with difficult feelings, search Every Mind Matters.

It’s tempting to “doom scroll” on your phone the moment you wake up or just before you go to sleep, but this will only add to your stress.