TOP TIPS TO LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

WHILE SELF - ISOLATING.

Whether you are self-isolating or social distancing because of Covid-19, it is vital to look after your mental health. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, scared, lonely, or bored, but if you’re worried about the effect it will have on your mental health, you are not alone. Here are essential top tips to get you going and to looking after your mental well-being during this lock-down period.

By Mary Kayode 

20th August 2020

1.Take a break from the News
Try limiting how often you check the news. Yes! I know…. it can be tempting to constantly scroll over your phone to check the news updates during times like this, if this is having a negative impact on your mental health then reduce the amount of time that you are checking the news and divert your attention into writing, reading, drawing, craft making, gardening, or baking.

2. Stay Calm and Breathe deeply
You can relax, take time to do some deep breathing exercise. Take a few moment breathe deep in to the count of five and out to the count of five. This can help reduce stress and have a calming effect and boost your mood. You can take up a family yoga session together every day, gentle exercises or brisk walking to pass out time.

3. Be thankful and hopeful
Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you more. When you cultivate an attitude of gratitude, it makes you feel good. This is the time to focus on yourself and home, be productive and have a positive attitude. Be adventurous, try new things, learn new skills, relax and look after yourself. Take time each day to stop and focus on the things you are grateful for .

4. Take advantage of online classes
You can learn photography, how to design cards, how to blog, bake, digital shows, animation and large-scale 3D projects and many other interesting classes.

5. Dealing with stress at home
If you and those who live with you do not have coronavirus, you could go outside for a walk or do some planting in your garden. If you are in a situation where you are tensed, it is important that you walk away from arguments until everyone starts to feel calmer. Talk about how you feel with your friends and family, this kind of interaction help to reduce stress and boost moods by offering a distraction from the situation.

6. Reach Out
Feel free to reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. Stay in touch with family and friends and encourage them to stay safe and be hopeful. You’re not the only person worried, bored and lonely. Send messages, telephone or video call, let your friends, family, or colleagues know you care and that you checked on them to find out what they have been up to since the lockdown and checking on their mental state is important.

7. Get into a Routine
For you to survive during this lockdown or quarantine period you have to have a schedule or “Me Time”. Plan your day and write out how you want to spend your day. Create a structure and stick to a routine which is flexible and achievable. It will give you a sense of order and help you cope well. Most importantly, you can schedule individual 20 minutes of “me time” to get a break from each other and to unwind.

8. Be Creative
Get a pen and make a list of those things you said you would do learn, or sort out. It could be mastering a new skill, cooking up some yummy meals, sorting out your wardrobe, painting or even doing some gardening. You could take up virtual dance class, learn how to play musical instrument or knitting. By doing this task it gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

9. Engage yourself (Don’t be Idle)
You can engage yourself in virtual online games, puzzles, quizzes, to give you something to focus on. You can also play board game with your family and makeup your own game.

10. Exercise is vital for maintaining mental fitness and it reduces stress. Studies have shown how effective exercise can be at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration and enhancing cognitive function.  There are great fitness videos you can use which are tailored to suit your ability level  as a way to relax. You can take up a family yoga session together everyday, you can also take a trip outside in the fresh air for brisk walk. While you are self-isolating  please practice social distancing.

11. Stay Healthy & Rest
It is important to take things easy, rest and stay healthy. Eat a healthy balanced meal that will help reduce stress, boost the immune system and lower blood pressure.  Keep fit, wash your hands regularly, maintain your social distancing, keep hydrated and boost your immune system by eating your 5 a day fruits and vegetables.