How to cope during lockdown
With Victoria plunging into yet another lockdown, many of us are feeling the confusion and frustration of these uncertain times. Along with this comes the constant barrage of news and media updates which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
During these stressful times it can be easy to slip out of old healthy routines and self-care habits. However, it is throughout these periods that we especially need to take care of our physical and mental health. As the old saying goes, you cannot keep pouring from an empty cup, as eventually there’s going to be nothing left to pour for anyone else. This is why looking after yourself before you can look after others is so important.
Here are some ways you can continue to practice self-care during lockdown.
Chat with friends/ family
We are in some way fortunate that we are experiencing lockdown in an age where there is a multitude of ways to keep connected. Just because you are in isolation doesn’t mean you can’t keep in contact via telephone or video call. Set up group chats/calls so you can get the extended family all together, or your kids can keep in contact with their friends. Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom are a good starting point. You may even decide to host a virtual dinner party or movie night!
Stop checking the news!
Although staying informed is important, getting obsessive and constantly reading news updates can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing. If you are finding your anxiety ramping up, try to stay away and limit news access to once a day. Also ensure you are getting your info from reputable sources and have a healthy scepticism of anything you read online or on social media.
Remain physically active
Although you may not be able to go to the gym, there are still plenty of ways you can get in your 30 minutes of exercise each day from home. Try going for a walk or run, or why not try a workout from YouTube. Exercise can help in shaking off mental stress and regular physical activity stimulates the production of hormones that create a sense of happiness and wellbeing. If you’re feeling uninspired, whilst working/studying from home, engaging in physical exercise can also boost your creativity and productivity almost instantaneously.
Get some fresh air
Working or studying from home often means that we spend hours on end stuck inside our homes. Ensuring you take regular outdoor breaks will help to clear your mind and enable you to better focus when you return to your work. Furthermore, being around nature relaxes us and makes us look to the horizon, as opposed to objects and screens immediately in front of us at home, which activates the calming response in our body. Along with these benefits, getting your daily dose of vitamin D will reduce your chances of experiencing low moods.
Watch your favourite TV show or movie
In times when we feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, nostalgia can actually help us to feel relaxed and calm. This is because television from the past can make us feel safe and secure in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable. Old tv shows and movies also remind us of happy childhood memories and simpler times when we may have had fewer responsibilities and anxiety. Moreover, these nostalgic shows connect us. Even if you watch the show alone, it may remind you of good times spent with friends or family and make you feel happier.
If you would like some extra support, feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.