Lockdown\u2026can you even recall your first thoughts when you heard we\u2019re heading for a three-week lockdown? What about when you heard that it\u2019s being extended? Now, we\u2019re here, three months later and we\u2019re still overwhelmed with heightened feelings of uncertainty, unrest, anxiety and for some, loneliness.<\/p>\n
Yes, at some point we all wished for the standard weekend to be longer because it just flew by so quickly. We could hardly spend quality time with family and getting to the things that required more time than an ordinary weekend could offer. Now, we\u2019re here where lockdown feels like being adrift on the ocean: we\u2019re desperate for any sign of land \u2013 stability. The stability we once knew, having employment, having a steady income, knowing what our plans would be today, tomorrow, the rest of the week, at least the weekend, and maybe for the year ahead.<\/p>\n
We were forced to adopt day-to-day living, and yes, this causes tremendous stress. With the world being in self-isolation, it\u2019s understandable to feel uneasy, and it\u2019s undoubtedly to expect a tsunami of associated mental health issues sweeping the globe. But it\u2019s also critical to remember that life\u2019s challenges provide the opportunity to shake up our lives and realise what matters most.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re providing you with 10 ways to manage depression during the Covid-19 lockdown \u2013<\/p>\n
It might not be physical, but studies have shown that close personal connections are key to our happiness and longevity through life. Engaging in supportive and positive relationships boost immune systems, allow us to heal quicker physically, and reduces stress, anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s people you saw very often or old friends from decades ago, make that phone call, enjoy a video call or catch up on social media or reply to the WhatsApp they sent you a while ago. Not being stuck with only what\u2019s going on around you, but what other people have been up to or what\u2019s news from their side, might make you feel a lot better.<\/p>\n
A few minutes of meditation has shown a multitude of positive effects on mental and physical wellbeing, and if you haven\u2019t done it before, maybe now might be a great time to start. Set up a quiet, comfortable space with a blanket and candles and head there at a regular time.<\/p>\n
We all know the feeling of self-fulfilment when helping others in need, understanding their concerns, worries and behaviours at this time. Even if it\u2019s just a message to someone nearby, or supporting community groups, but to keep in the line of the coronavirus restrictions and guidelines.<\/p>\n
Decide when to wake up, go to sleep and eat at regular times. Exercise on certain days, and diarise your day on work and other tasks such as helping the kids with homework or making time for a hobby.<\/p>\n
Be prepared on other life factors such as knowing the happening around your employment, understand your sick pay and benefit rights. If you\u2019re uncertain, think to innovate \u2013 ways to still provide for your family. Be prepared with essentials at home, especially face masks, sanitisers, immune boosters, tissues, etc.<\/p>\n
Yes, we can\u2019t live without it, but can\u2019t live with it 24\/7 either. We understand that everything happens online now more than ever \u2013 socialising, working, informing, and entertaining ourselves through our online devices. Studies have linked heavy smartphone use to stress, anxiety and depression, with social media affecting our moods. Take a break from social media, the news, from negativity, even if it\u2019s for one whole day \u2013 break up with your phone.<\/p>\n
How we feel is mainly dependent on our physical health and falling into unhealthy patterns of behaviour could end up making us feel worse. Try to skip takeaways and eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise. Avoid smoking and taking drugs, and don\u2019t consume too much alcohol. Take a 10-minute morning walk with your family or alone.<\/p>\n
Studies have proven that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure and boost happiness. Make time daily to spend on the patio or in your garden, and take time to notice things such as trees\u2019 leaves falling to the ground, new flowers that might have appeared, or different types of bird behaviour. Distant views can also give your eyes a break from the blue screen.<\/p>\n
Ensure you get enough sleep. If you\u2019re rolling around in bed counting sheep or sleepwalking, you\u2019ll be drained \u2013 mentally and physically. Develop a regular bedtime routine, and make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark as possible. Enjoy a regular thing before bed such as reading a book, enjoying tea, a hot bath, meditating or moisturising.<\/p>\n
Being concerned about the effects of coronavirus is normal, but try to focus on the things you can control, such as your behaviour, the way you speak, and how and where you often get information. Don\u2019t let the constant thoughts about the coronavirus make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.<\/p>\n
Learn to treat yourself like a best friend; don\u2019t be too hard on yourself. Do what you can do, even if you\u2019re not as productive as usual, just try to do your best. Rest a little and forgive yourself if you\u2019re not feeling 100%. Acknowledge complicated feelings and talk about your worries with someone you trust or call a local helpline to assist in this regard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Lockdown\u2026can you even recall your first thoughts when you heard we\u2019re heading for a three-week lockdown? What about when you heard that it\u2019s being extended? Now, we\u2019re here, three months later and we\u2019re still overwhelmed with heightened feelings of uncertainty, unrest, anxiety and for some, loneliness. Yes, at some point we all wished for the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[316,337,19,338],"yoast_head":"\n