Survival guide for managing stress during lockdown
tress and distress can grow out of all proportion at a time of uncertainty such as current coronavirus pandemic.
Nuffield Health Professional Head of Emotional Wellbeing Brendan Street said: “Given the global COVID-19 situation a certain level of anxiety is understandable, anxiety prepares us for big challenges in our lives. However, the situation with COVID-19 is constantly developing and the information about the virus remains incomplete.
“Uncertainty can be mentally incredibly challenging to deal with. We like to think that we have control over the events of our lives. Holding our nerve when faced with the fear of the unknown can be extremely difficult. Preparation can turn to over thinking, can turn to stress and worry.
“One thing seems certain at present, there will be more uncertainty to come, and with it increasing levels of worry and anxiety. A global pandemic takes us into unchartered territory, we cannot flick though our manuals
Sof past experience to ascertain how best to act.” While we don’t know what to expect, we start to imagine what might happen. Our bodies respond by flooding us with chemicals to help us deal with the threat activating a powerful fight or flight response. This leaves us feeling vulnerable and further hijacks the rational thinking/problem solving part of the brain, which makes effective planning much more difficult.
Dr Phil Hammonds says that everyone should ensure they meet their daily as follows: We are naturally sociable. We like to be with others. Find ways to connect each day using technology.
Psychological research has revealed that learning new skills is good for mental health. It provides you with a purpose, confidence and improves selfesteem.
Make sure you get your five portions of fun a day for your mind and body. At present you’ll need to be creative. An assault course in your garden, a race with the dogs in the corridors of your flats, marching between the bathroom and the kitchen whilst balancing a book on your head.
Take time each day to take a moment and be present. What can you hear, see, feel, smell?
Doing good does you good. Do something for someone else.
Have a balanced diet. There is increasing evidence that gut health is linked to mental health. Stimulate good bacteria in your gut by eating such food as almonds, yoghurt, peas and bananas.
Take the time to check your thoughts each day. Are your thoughts helpful or unhelpful? If they are unhelpful…what strategies do you have to manage unhelpful thinking?
A good night’s sleep has multiple impacts on physical and mental health. Half the population in the UK have poor quality sleep and feel more tired, stressed, less energised and more anxious as a result.
Nuffield Health offers online resources and therapies to help improve wellbeing. Visit www.nuffieldhealth. com/emotional-wellbeing/ guided-online-therapy site.