With immediate effect on Monday the 23rd of March 2020, Boris Johnson declared lockdown throughout the UK to be reviewed after 21 days. Although three weeks may not seem like a long period, staying away from family, friends and your usual routines can have a profound effect on your mental well-being.
We have a few tips if you are seeking ways to keep active and busy while maintaining a positive outlook.
Stay Active
Even if exercise isn’t normally for you, studies have shown that even light to moderate exercise releases endorphins and overall helps towards your physical, as well as mental well-being.
Take advantage of the guidelines to exercise once a day and get some fresh air during a light walk or even a run. You can also always exercise in the comfort of your own home, there are many platforms offering free exercise at the moment, something that the whole family can get involved with. Some of these include Joe Wicks, who releases daily videos on his YouTube channel, or even local schools who are posting daily yoga and judo tutorials on their Facebook pages.
Embrace Being Virtual
One bonus to the technology we have today are the endless possibilities. Schools may have been closed but virtual lessons are still available for pupils via platforms such as Zoom. We are able to call, or video loved ones on social platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp, allowing us to keep in touch with our family and friends even if not in physical being.
Relaxation
This can come in many forms and will vary from person to person, whether it be having a clean and tidy home, lighting a scented candle or participating in breathing exercises or yoga, find something that relaxes you and enter it into your daily routine.
Keep a Routine
Speaking of routines, try to stick to one even if you’re not leaving your home, this will help keep your mind calm and proactive while also giving your days purpose. Although we would all like to sit on the sofa watching Netflix all day, to keep our brains and body’s healthy such activities should be practised in moderation.
Projects
A project or hobby is perfect in a time like this. This could include catching up on home improvements you haven’t had time for, sprucing up the garden, crafts or even a 30 day declutter challenge. This will give you something to focus on and keep your mind and body busy.
Learn Something New
A new online course, cooking or baking new dishes or even some DIY, learning a new skill helps keep your mind active and may even contribute towards a new hobby or career path after the lockdown phase comes to an end.
