How to Look After Your Mental Health During Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown us – without warning – into a strange new world. With many of us now in various states of lockdown or quarantine – an extreme shift in how we live our day-to-day lives – we need to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health.

I am hyper-aware of this fact. Lockdown has meant big lifestyle changes outside of my control: staying indoors all day, little interaction with the outside world, and no face-to-face contact with friends… all triggers for my anxiety and depression to flare up.

I’m now on to my fifth week of working from home and fourth week of government-mandated self-isolation. So, I’ve put together a list of things that are helping me cope. By no means will each point be relevant to or viable for everyone; however, I am simply sharing what is getting me through this unprecedented time, in the hope that it will may help someone else out there.

Keep to a routine

This is probably the most important one for me as I find change difficult to deal with. As mentioned, I’m now in Week 5 of working from home. Instead of working my usual 9 a.m.-6 p.m., I’ve chosen to start and finish an hour earlier than my in-office days; it means I am up and dressed at roughly the same time (I get a little sleep-in without the need for hair and make-up to be done) but instead of heading to the bus stop at 8 a.m., I’m off to my living room.

I know I need structure as otherwise I fall into a slump where I stay in bed or mooch around all day, achieving nothing. Even if you’re not currently working and don’t need to stick to a strict routine, it’s important to have some sort of structure to your day in order to maintain some semblance of normalcy. It will also make the transition back to “normal life” easier when the time comes.

Go for a Walk in Nature

I feel like this one needs to start with an obvious yet GIANT DISCLAIMER: Only do this if you are not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, you’re not in quarantine, and it’s permitted under the government laws and restrictions in your location.

I am lucky enough to live within 15 minutes’ walk of a large heath, where I’ve been heading most days for my “one walk a day”. With around 160 hectares of woodland, shrubland, and grassy commons, it’s big enough that the current two-metre distancing advice is incredibly easy to heed.

Even on the days when I’m feeling lazy and really can’t be bothered to go out, I force myself to do it because without fail, I feel better afterwards.

If you don’t have a park, forest or beach nearby, a walk around your neighbourhood’s quieter backstreets can do wonders. Take time to look at the trees, flowers and sky. Breathe in the fresh air. Soak up the sunlight. You don’t have to be in the middle of nowhere to enjoy nature.

TIDY YOUR SPACE

It took me two weeks of lockdown before I finally got the energy and motivation to tidy my bedroom. Although I’m pretty good at keeping the common areas of my flat tidy, when it comes to my room, it’s generally kept in various states of untidiness.

I may not have gone full Marie Kondo on my bedroom but I did thoroughly tidy, dust, vacuum, spray & wipe… And whadda ya know? It made me feel so much better.

Whether it’s your bedroom, your living room, your kitchen, or any other space you’ll be spending a lot of time in over the coming weeks – if not months – the general state of it really can effect your mood, so it’s worth spending the time to sort it out.

Create a Comfortable Space

In the same way that the tidiness or cleanliness of a space can effect your mood, so can the atmosphere. Make sure your space is well lit and well-ventilated.

At the risk of becoming a complete blogger cliché… light candles, or diffuse oils to create a calm atmosphere, brighten your walls with art prints, or add some indoor plants to your home.

Last week I went a bit crazy on the Patch website and my new houseplant friends should arrive within the next few days. Yay! Not only do plants look great, they also purify the air, which helps you breathe and sleep more easily.

Video Call Family & Friends

It’s important to stay in touch with loved ones but instead of just texts and calls, take to time video call your family and friends. Seeing their faces helps you feel much closer to them.

Video calls are also a great way to have communal chats or virtual house parties (we’ve all head of the app!). My colleagues and I have regular group calls throughout the week, not just to discuss work but for general chats and ramblings we would usually have in the office every day.

I’ve had wine time and coffee catch-ups with many friends over video chat; if I can’t go to the pub or coffee shop with them, having a drink or two whilst chatting about anything and everything is the next best thing.

MAKE TIME FOR HOBBIES

Whether you’re currently off work, or working from home and need something different to do at the weekend, set aside time for indoor hobbies. If you don’t have any, find some!

I’ve been reading more, getting back into crosswords, cooking more elaborate meals than usual, and I’m pretty sure there’ll be some baking happening, as soon as I can get my hands on some flour…

You could get crafty with scrapbooking, knitting or crochet. You could keep your brain active by signing up for an online course in almost any subject. Or you could finally make use of that mindfulness colouring book you bought three years ago…

Treat Yourself to a LOCKDOWN Feast

Finally, a guilt-free excuse for that cheeky takeaway! You can’t pop to the shops so easily and even if you do, who knows what will be in stock? Plus, you’re helping your favourite local restaurants to stay in business. Win, win!

Over the Easter long weekend, my housemate and I ordered a takeaway from vegan chain by Chloe (I’ve discovered there’s now one really close to my place, though no idea if it’s permanent or a lockdown pop-up). We ate together on our teensy balcony in the sunshine and it was such a lovely way to spend an evening, I think it lifted both our moods.

I’m almost certain it had nothing to do with the accompanying cider…

Choose Your News

You don’t have to watch every news broadcast or have a permanent tab open with the latest Coronavirus updates. It’s okay to switch off the news sometimes.

Yes, it’s good to be informed but a constant stream of news about the virus can be distressing at best. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant updates, then set yourself a limit of say, one news broadcast per day, or one browse of updates every morning and evening only.

Instead of reading the tabloids who sensationalise everything (you know the culprits), get your updates and information from sensible sources.

GIVE YOURSELF Space

If you’re an introvert like me, you’ll understand the need to recharge by spending time alone. However, in these surreal times, perhaps even extroverts in lockdown with others are struggling. 

Whether you’re self-isolating with your partner, your kids, family members, or flat mates – regardless of how well you normally get along – there’s going to be times when you’re sick of the sight of one another. Tensions are frayed and most people aren’t used to being with someone else 24/7. Even those couples seemingly joined at the hip usually have work or school or social outings away from each other.

My best advice is to ensure you find the space and means to have some time alone, at least once a day. If you share a bedroom with someone so it can’t be your escape, perhaps take your daily walk or trip to the shops alone. If you have kids, relax on the sofa or read your book for an hour after they go to bed. No one will see your house any time soon; the chores can wait.

Don’t feel guilty for asking for space. It’s for the benefit of everyone!

Accept That There Will Be Bad Days

Even doing all of the above, we just have to accept that during lockdown there will be good days and bad days. The bad days won’t last forever, and sometimes fighting against them just makes things worse.

Accept that there will be days when it’s harder to get out of bed, when your mood is lower, when the situation feels suffocating or scary or lonely. Accept it and let it pass.

Just remember that it will end. We will get through this.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for HELP

Finally, if you’re struggling and you need help, ask for it. Just because “we’re all in it together” or “other people have it worse“, it doesn’t mean your personal feelings or struggles are any less valid.

Like our physical health, everyone’s mental health is different. And everyone’s experience of lockdown will be different. Perhaps, like me, you’re worried about slipping back into a dark place. Perhaps it’s the first time you’ve ever felt anxious, or the first time you’ve experienced a prolonged low mood and you’re not sure how to handle it. That’s okay.

Ask for help from friends, family, mental health helplines, online sources… whoever you’re more comfortable going to.

I promise it will be worth it.

For further advice and information on your looking after your mental health during lockdown, check out these links:

Mental Health Foundation
Mind
NHS

What’s been helping you lift your spirits during this difficult time? Let me know in the comments!

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