Needless to say, coronavirus and COVID-19 has affected all of us. Not only is the fear of this new virus having a considerable psychological effect on us, but the necessary social distancing, self-isolating and lockdown to curb the spread of the virus is also affecting us physically and mentally.
To support your health, both mental and physical at this time, you can try some of these recommended steps.
Don’t obsess over coronavirus coverage
Social distancing at home certainly frees up more time than usual to obsess over up to date news coverage, particularly if you are not currently working. However, whilst it’s important for us to stay up to date with the spread of COVID-19 and government regulations and recommendations, it can be bad for our health to obsess over this too much. Googling coronavirus every few minutes may leave you over-researching the pandemic, which can be dangerous, especially if you are reading information from websites that aren’t necessarily credible.
Try to keep to a limited amount of time each day to familiarise yourself with the latest coronavirus coverage.
Create a routine
It’s good to try and maintain a structure to your day. Though it can be tempting to take a more lethargic lifestyle, sleeping in late, staying sedentary and eating more than usual, this can leave you more at risk of spiralling into negative thoughts.
Try to stick to getting up at the time you normally would, have a wash, get dressed, stay hydrated, avoid too much fast food, and exercise regularly if you can.
Focus on yourself
Rather than focusing on being stuck at home, try to take the opportunity to focus on yourself and your home. Feel positive about the tasks you get done each day, whether this be tidying up around the house, or working from home.
Exercise
If you are able to, try to get as much exercise as possible, as this will not only help to keep you fit and healthy, but helps to boost your mood. Take advantage of being able to get outside for some exercise once a day, but if you can’t leave the house, there are still many workouts that you can do at home or in your garden.
Be kind to yourself
This should not be overlooked. If you don’t feel able to be productive, and need a break, it’s ok to take some time to relax and take care of yourself. Recognise when you need a break and be good to yourself.
Stay connected
Whilst we can’t be together physically, it’s so important for us to check in on each other regularly, whether it be online, or by phone. We can offer support to each other and reach out to anyone who may be struggling.
Just sending a message each day helps us to feel less alone. Likewise, if you are struggling, try to reach out to your loved ones.
Write down thoughts and feelings
Keeping a diary or journal, or even just jotting down thoughts and feelings can be a great way to offload fears or worries. It’s easy to bottle your feelings up when you are feeling isolated, but putting them on paper can help provide an emotional release.
Try to stay busy
One of the most positive things you can do for yourself during lockdown is to try and stay occupied, keeping your mind and body busy. Whether you decide to go for a daily walk, learn a new skill, get busy in the kitchen, start podcasting, or even take the time to look at online educational courses, you can distract yourself from negative thoughts and things that are going on.
Get professional help
If you are struggling with your mental health during lockdown, it’s important that you continue to seek support for existing problems. Charities such as Mind and the Samaritans can offer useful advice and assistance at this time.
At Fiona Passey Osteopaths, though our practices are currently closed as we follow government guidelines, we are still available for telephone consultations for osteopathy and counselling. Please contact us here to find out how we may be able to help you.
More COVID-19 lockdown advice
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