Looking after your mental health during the pandemic

Whether you’re self-isolating, working from home or trying to go about your daily routine as normal, it’s important that, as well as following the guidelines in place to protect your physical health, you take some time to evaluate and look after your mental wellbeing.

The news at present is pretty overwhelming and negative, so limiting how many articles you consume on a daily basis is a good place to start.

1)   Don’t overload yourself with online content – some people like to keep up to date with the news and others may have to due to work, so it can be hard to avoid it.  However, we’d recommend that you assign a limited amount of time to this and balance it out with some positive, uplifting content afterward.

2) Try to focus your mind – if the current pandemic is making you anxious and panicked, try doing something calming. Read a book, colour in, listen to a podcast or some music.  Apps such as Calm and Headspace can be really useful.

3) Maintain some routine – as much as possible, the pandemic should not disrupt your sleep cycle. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time as you usually would, even if you don’t have work to do or anywhere to be.  If you can go outdoors, fit a walk into your routine as getting some fresh air will help you feel grounded.

4) Use technology instead to your advantage – start an online exercise class, learn something new like a language, watch some YouTube tutorials or have daily video calls with a friend.  Check in with a friend or family member that you haven’t spoken to in a while.

5) Don’t isolate yourself completely – social distancing shouldn’t mean you become socially isolated.  Reach out if you need some additional support or someone to talk to.  Friends may be in the exact same position as you!