Looking after your mental health during lockdown (Co Special)

Looking after your mental health during lockdown

With the new lockdown measures in place and many people self-isolating, the outbreak is affecting the way many of us live our lives - triggering stress, depression and anxiety.

Lots of people are struggling with their mental health amid the Coronavirus pandemic

However, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) has revealed there are some simple steps you can take during this uncertain time to keep on top things and stay mentally fit and healthy while at home.

Because of all the uncertainty it can be easy to feel out of control, which is why it is more important than ever to look after your mental and physical health and of those around you.

Here, are some practical tips to help to get you through these challenging times...

1. Stay connected

Make sure you stay connected to your mates as best as you can.

Even if you’re stuck at home, in our interconnected world there are loads of ways to chat to your friends and family, without seeing them in real life.

Play games over the internet with your friends there are lots of quizzes and the suck like out there.   Facetime your mum, organise a Google hangout and have a coffee and a chat,

Connecting and checking in with each other is more important than ever and can help ease the stress caused by all the news.

Now is the perfect time to reach out to help other people. Use this opportunity to connect with those you’ve not spoken to in a while, and check in with people that may need it.

2. Switch off

It’s OK to turn off social media for a bit.

It’s very tempting to watch and watch (and then watch some more) all the information that’s coming in. But don’t do that to yourself. Avoid news that could make you feel anxious and choose the stuff that’s practical and helpful.

Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family. If it helps check the news and decide on specific times you’re going to do it (9am and 5pm, for example).

There’s also a LOT of misinformation out there so stick to trusted sources, try and share the positive stories you see: of people who have recovered or even a post on Twitter that made you laugh

3. Keep up your daily routine

Strike a balance between having a routine and making sure each day has some variety. It can be hard to begin to accept this new normal.

 If you’re finding the change difficult, it might help to build yourself a new routine – getting up, eating and doing familiar things at set times can help you to feel a little more in control of the situation.

But also change it up a little. Learn simple daily physical exercises you can perform at home.

Keep a To-Do list so you can see you’re achieving something. Go for a run. Skype your friends. Even doing mundane things like cleaning the oven can help. All of it will help to keep you active and reduce boredom (apart from the oven thing).

Running, cycling and walking are all still options on the table (even if events you’d planned for might not be), and then there’s loads of online workouts to explore at home. From Pilates to Hiit, and extreme beginner to expert, getting your blood pumping is a great way to get out of your head.

4. Let out your feelings

Having that realisation that you’re feeling overwhelmed or annoyed at trivial things? Finding it tricky to adjust to an unfamiliar way of living? Letting family or friends know you’re finding times tough?

In fact it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or upset about a lot of this.

Getting it out is the best policy – whether that’s needing a bit of space or unloading your feelings. Social distancing doesn’t mean emotional distancing.