Coronavirus:
How to manage your mental health during lockdown
If you need to self-isolate as a result of the coronavirus here’s some ways to you can ensure you safeguard your emotional and mental wellbeing during a potentially extended period of being alone.
01
Keep a healthy diet
When you’re at home it can be tempting to just sit on the sofa without moving, eating unbalanced meals and snacking all day as a way to entertain yourself.
Do your best to eat well. Sign up to home deliveries from your local supermarket or look for community groups who could deliver food.
02
Engage with nature
Try to get exposure to the outside world and exercise as much as possible within the limits of our self-isolation. Try to create a routine that includes some physical exercise. Ideally try exercising in the garden or on a balcony if you have one. If you can’t physically get outside, spend a portion of your day looking outside or tending to house plants.
03
Get into a routine
Spending all day in your pj’s all day and forgetting to brush your teeth will seem fun to start with but won’t do much good for your mental health. Create a plan for the day, try and get up and go to bed a sensible time to ensure you get enough sleep. Try to incorporate something fun into each day to keep your mind active.
04
Vary your activities
Don’t just sit in front of a screen all day – whether for work or pleasure – is not the best way to spend long periods of time. Especially because the blue light from devices, like smartphones, can be disruptive to your sleep and overall wellbeing. Try doing something different, a craft, listening to a podcast, read a book, the options are endless.
05
Stay connected
Just because you’re self-isolating, doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off altogether. Make sure you keep in touch with friends and family. Try as much as possible to keep your personal daily routines or create new routines. If health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the outbreak, you can stay connected via email, social media, video conference and telephone.
06
Limit news intake
Constant 24/7 coverage of coronavirus can easily impact on your mental health, particularly on social media. Make sure you opt out and try not to listen to the constant stream of news report which can cause anyone to feel anxious. Listen only to qualified health professionals and visit the WHO website for correct information, try to avoid listening to or following rumours that make you feel uncomfortable.
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