Your Well-being during Covid-19

The coronavirus (Covid-19) requires worldwide action to be taken, this action goes against exactly what we are all normally encouraged to be doing. Limiting social contact and travel. Whilst will prevent damage to our physical health, the impact on our mental health is something to seriously consider.

A lot of people will be feeling stressed and anxious during this challenging time. We need to take steps to look after our mental well-being.

Self-isolation will require the individual to avoid social contact (social distancing) and stay indoors. For people already feeling lonely (mostly the elderly), this can be a daunting prospect. Humans are social beings, and this goes against what we typically want to do. One thing to consider is, staying indoors may not necessarily mean staying in your own home. Think about whether staying with a friend or family member in their home would be a better option for you, if the government guidelines permit.

The current situation will mean changes in your plans and routine. This can be upsetting for many who perhaps had exciting things planned or prefer to have a structure. Just keep in mind, everything is happening to promote our safety and will not last forever. It can be overwhelming to view the period as ongoing and uncertain. Take each day as it comes and try to break the period down in your mind. If it’s making you feel anxious try not to re-read the same information. Ask someone to remind you to wash your hands or set a timer on your phone. Don’t exceed the 20 second time frame to wash your hands.

You have probably been inundated with people telling you to meditate, but creating a plan of action for lockdown can help break up the day. It doesn’t need to be a regimented structure (unless you want it to be), but spending time doing things that will distract you is needed. Even if it is scheduling a facetime call with a friend at a set time of the day and talking about other more positive things!

Keeping active and doing regular exercise is a big part of many people’s lives. The disruption to this can be anxiety provoking, especially if exercise helps with your mental health anyway. These things are adaptable, there will be online classes via platforms like skype or Instagram live that will be available to people. For the children, Joe Wicks PE sessions every morning. This means that whilst it may be slightly different to your usual routine, you will be able to gain some of the benefits of being active in a safe environment. Working out at home can be incorporated in your everyday routine. If you can get outside and be in the fresh air, try that. If you feel claustrophobic let the people who you are with know, take some personal space time during the day. Open the windows and spend time in different rooms doing different things regularly.

Being at home may affect your eating habits, or you may need to find alternative food options if some products are difficult to get. Find out about getting food delivered, some areas are recruiting volunteers to collect food for the more vulnerable at-risk groups. Perhaps your friends or family can bring you some products. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Make sure to keep on top of taking your medication. You might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone or online services. Pharmacies should be able to deliver medication or someone can collect it on your behalf.

Try to keep your routine as normal as possible, get up at the same time in the morning and go to bed at the same time. Plan a schedule for work or school at home, this will make you feel more accomplished and possibly give you time to catch up on things. Talk to your employer and children’s schools to see their policies and advice when working/ studying at home. There are some great online resources for children to use such as BBC bitesize. This might be the perfect time to spend working on things you otherwise would struggle to get time to do.

Overall, it is a bizarre and unusual time but everything that is happening is with our safety in mind. It can be stressful and worrying but it’s important to remain positive, listen to the advice given and try not to over think the situation. Find things that make you laugh, there are plenty of memes to lift your spirits. I know it is a serious situation but finding things that are going to make you panic less is a good thing.