This post is going out around the world to those who are currently in lockdown because of the Coronavirus. Looking after your wellbeing and mental health while being in isolation is very important. Make the effort to stay in touch with the people you care about regularly. Here are some things you can do while you are in lockdown to help you get some order and balance in life right now.
Mental Health and the effects of Isolation
Although I feel quite isolated from the rest of the world living in Australia, my heart goes out to anyone feeling alone right now. I can only imagine it is taking some kind of toll on the mental health of people who have spent months at home.
Humans are social beings but it’s more important than ever right now to stay connected with loved ones via the internet, phone or whatever means are possible. Obviously, without jeopardising anyones health and safety.
Tips to staying sane and healthy while at home
- Create a routine
- Exercise
- Eat healthy meals
- Teach yourself a new skill
- Think of others, check in with family and friends
- Play music to help boost your mood
- Get some fresh air and sunlight. Open a window and read in a sun drenched room. Spend time in your backyard if you have one
- Start that new project you have always wanted to
Things you can do while being home in lock-down
It’s important to take some time to step away from the media and news. Here are some ideas of things you can do to keep yourself busy while in isolation at home.
Bake or try to cook a new recipe.
Grow your own plant, learn to grow an avocado from a seed. I recently did this and now I have a beautiful plant.
Use your creative skills to write, draw, paint and express yourself. Take an online tutorial.
Re-arrange your home space or change things up to make it feel fresh and new.
Use your hands to make something like macrame, paper mache or a collage.
Take on a class at Skill Share try your first month free.
Look for short online courses in subjects you are interested in.
Read! with an abundance of books out there in millions of topics, reading is a great way to take you away from reality and shift your emotions. Amazon have audible and Kindle editions you can buy online.
Meditate this one you can add to your daily routine and will help boost your mood.
Do yoga at home with a free app. I recommend the Downdog app. There are lots of yoga apps out there.
Remodel old furniture. Give yourself a creative furniture project to do at home.
Have a FaceTime call with your family or friends.
Play group trivia with zoom.
Staying positive during a challenging time
We are all going through this experience together. How you perceive the situation will present you with an outcome. Shift your perception if you do not like the way you feel. As challenging as it may seem, there is always another way of looking at things. Use this downtime to review life and focus on the good things. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for and keep it somewhere where you can read it every day.
It’s vital to remain positive during this challenging time. Be grateful for all that we have and all that we are learning at this time.