Things I do to keep sane during lockdown

Whilst we all try to deal with these extreme and unusual circumstances, I wanted to open up a bit of a discussion about our mental health.

In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week. However, I feel that as a result of this pandemic, the statistics for mental health struggles will increase. Dealing with low mood and anxiety in general is challenging, but a lot of the typical coping measures that I use aren’t available.

I thought I would share some ideas and suggestions for keeping on top of anxiety and low mood during lockdown.

Writing things down:

With lack of work and events going on, I find myself with a hell of a lot more time to think. Overthinking or rumination is something I work to avoid. Thoughts are negative and irrational if you are suffering with some anxiety. I try to actively channel my thinking elsewhere. Writing things down, pen to paper (not typing on your phone) has been evidenced to be particularly effective. I give myself some mini tasks to do:

· Write down either a list of multiple things, or one very detailed account of something you are grateful for. Instead of focusing on something negative, think of something positive.

· Write down a situation that was challenging for you, a problem that you faced. Think about how maybe you didn’t think you could overcome it and how you did overcome it. It can be a little or big situation.

· Write down some things you have managed to achieve. Think about successes you have made.

These are targeted to challenge negative, automatic thoughts. It is typical to have overwhelming irrational thoughts “I’m worthless, I’m a failure, I have nothing good going on in my life”. CHALLENGE THEM! Prove to yourself that they aren’t true.

Tasks that have an end goal:

Outside of writing things down, I think its good to do things that you can work on and reach an end goal. Giving yourself a sense of accomplishment. Make a workout plan, tick things off step by step. Not only will this release some feel-good hormones, but you would have distracted your mind.

Play a game, do a puzzle, colour something in, bake a cake, scrapbook. Concentrate on something other than negative thoughts. Give yourself a pat on the back when you’re done!

Socializing:

Talking to people and staying connected. I know we are ALWAYS told to get off our phones and be in the moment, but in these circumstances, it is important to connect and talk to people. You may even be living alone; your phone may be the only way you can socially interact. We are social creatures we intrinsically don’t want to be lonely. Schedule calls with your friends, do little events since you can’t go to events. Do a facetime theme pick a colour, dress up in that colour, why not? it is ok to be weird in these weird times. I’m not judging.

Do a quiz, play games, dance, workout as a group. I personally think facetime, or a voice call is better than texting as it is more personable and interactive.

Listening to other people who may be finding things hard and offering them support, in turn makes you feel better. You know you have had a positive impact on someone else, and you realize you aren’t alone in feeling down and anxious sometimes.

Pamper yo’self:

Despite the salons being closed, this doesn’t mean we can’t pamper ourselves at home. If it calms your anxiety, take a long bath. Sometimes I find silence can trigger my overthinking, so I play fun, upbeat music. I like to put make up on not because I’m dressing up to go anywhere obviously, but just to have fun. I like trying different looks and different products. It’s kind of like drawing a picture but the canvas is your face.

Turn on the water works:

Finally, I know this sounds a little strange but CRY. If you want to cry, if you feel like crying, cry. We are taught that we aren’t allowed to cry, or we cant cry in front of people because its not socially acceptable. This is all overwhelming, we can cry and have that emotional release. You will feel better for it afterwards rather than holding it in and trying to mask your feelings. Its just as natural as laughing.

Online Support:

There are several online resources available, there are some very amazing therapists who are offering free support during this pandemic. There is Anxiety UK doing fantastic work. If there is something you are doing to cope at the moment, please share!