5 Ways To Take Care of Your Mental Health During Coronavirus Lockdown

As the number of coronavirus infections rises rapidly across the world, a lot of countries have effected a lockdwn to contain the spread of the virus.

However, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) CEO Simon Gunning 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.

Here, Simon takes us through his 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 IRL.

Play FIFA with your mates. Facetime your mum (she’ll love that). Hell, organise a Google hangout and have a beer if you want to recreate a pub.

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

BUT remember you can always mute WhatsApp groups and Facebook groups if you’re finding them too overwhelming.

Simon says: “Now’s 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.

“Livestream shows for your mates. Stage a huge Mario Kart tournament. You might be stuck indoors but the virtual world can be your oyster.”

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.

If it helps check the news and decide on specific times you’re going to do it (9am and 5pm, for example).

Simon says: “There’s also a LOT of misinformation out there so stick to trusted sources.

“And 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 mates. 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).

Simon says: “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 yoga 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? Totally normal.

Finding it tricky to adjust to an unfamiliar way of living? Yep, normal.

Letting family or friends know you’re finding times tough? Well, that should be normal too.

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

Simon says: “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.”