I’ll be honest, I love any tidbits of self-care advice or coping mechanisms that people have to offer. I’m sure you can agree we’re all getting a bit fed up with being restricted in another lockdown, but as it’s necessary to curb the spread of the virus.
Personally, we have been struggling quite a bit, keeping two young children calm and sane while the weather’s been rubbish. Trying to keep up with the home learning is a whole other battle with a strong, fiery 7yr old. I’ve been feeling somewhat caged in myself. It has been a struggle.
I’ve compiled a list of the top 7 coping mechanisms to keep the lockdown blues away. I hope you find some of them useful. So without any more dilly-dallying, here they are
Easy coping mechanisms include:
1) Stay Connected
The power of modern technology means everyone is accessible to us. As much as we’re missing our pals and family, these platforms mean we can have a meaningful conversation with eye contact at the touch of a button. I highly recommend this, even if you don’t use the video option.
Checking in with family and friends is good for you and them, you never know what someone else might be going through. This is so important for our mental health.
2) Remember, Lockdown Is Temporary
One of the biggest challenges of this lockdown is that there is no end date in sight. It’s not easy to think positively or plan ahead when you don’t know how long this thing will last.
There are literally thousands of people working very hard to get the virus under control, so that it’s safe for all of us. Hopefully it won’t be too long before things can start to resemble some sort of normal. This is not permanent, things will change, this is temporary.
3) Set up some Daily Routine
It’s quite easy to treat each day as an open blank page, but having endless pajama days doesn’t do much for your mental health, we need a sense of purpose. Otherwise, before you know it’s four in the afternoon, and you’re in your PJ’s eating Rice Krispies for dinner.
I have young children that need to do home learning, so for us, we need a routine to get the school work done. I like to get it out of the way in the morning so that we can do more fun things together. The afternoons can be spent outside getting some fresh air and exercise, or indoors together doing some baking, a craft, or preparing a meal.
4) Eat Healthily
When trying to avoid the shops, it can be easy to eat less fresh fruit and veg, however, with the virus spreading as it is, it’s crucial to keep yourself as healthy as possible by eating a balanced and varied diet packed with vitamins and minerals.
Use tinned or frozen fruit and veg so you don’t have to worry about those fast-approaching sell-by dates. Batch cooking meals in advance is a great way to cook up all your fresh food, but also a great way to relax.
I know I love being left to my own devices in the kitchen. Simple recipes like pasta sauce can be portioned and frozen, ready to use for the next meal
5) Exercise & Get Outdoors More
It’s so important, now more than ever because one of the main benefits of exercise are that when you exercise, your body releases endorphins. These chemical signals make you feel happy and energised. This is vital for our mental well-being right now. This is probably my favourite of the coping mechanisms on my list.
Aim for 30mins per day and do something you know and enjoy. There is so much available for free online, so you don’t even have to look presentable. Alternatively, you might want to take the time and opportunity to try something new, you might be surprised to find a new passion. Tai Chi?
If you know me at all you know I’m all about spending time outdoors in nature. I start to feel restless and agitated if I’m stuck indoors too long. I need to feel the fresh air around my head.
A favourite of mine and the kids is the nearby loch, but for you, it may be somewhere local to you, or even your neighbourhood. Just a change of scenery is enough to bring me out of a funk.
My advice is to stay within your local authority and public guidelines in your area, preferably walk from your home if possible, and keep a safe distance from others that are also out and about.
6) Treat Yourself & Relax
If there was one good thing I found about this pandemic, it’s that I’ve been saving cash. The money I was spending on swimming lessons, dancing lessons, meals out, days out, gym memberships, etc has not been blown on anything else either so I’m going to spoil myself.
I’ve started getting small bits like a new Aromatherapy Mist Humidifier. Not everyone’s the idea of spoil but it’s a treat for me.
Find something to treat yourself, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just try to fill your life with as much joy as you can you deserve it. If you love our Nettle goodies you can check out our gift sets here for a self spoil!
You don’t have to go all zen, with incense, candlelight and bubble baths if that’s not your thing. Simply immersing yourself in something that you enjoy is relaxing. For some it’s cooking, maybe it’s a walk with your favourite tunes or podcast, or getting stuck into a jigsaw or another hobby.
For me I like to do sudoku puzzles, or crochet or colouring in. Do whatever helps you to relax. Whatever it is that takes your mind off the uncertainty of what’s going on in the world right now, do that.
7) Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
It used to be seen as a sign of weakness to need help, but thankfully those views are outdated. There’s certainly no shame in admitting you are struggling.
Reach out to a friend, colleague, professional, or even someone on social media with whom you have a connection.
Everyone loves feeling needed and being helpful. As they say: “a problem shared is a problem halved”.
That’s all from me
So there they are, My top 7 coping mechanisms for lockdown blues, I hope you’ve found them helpful. Send me a message if you want to chat or discuss anything further, and I’ll help as best I can.
If you feel like your mental health is suffering and you need to speak to a professional contact Samaritans HERE – there is someone available to talk 24/7, you can call directly on 116 123 for free.
Did you find this post helpful? Perhaps you’ll also like 7 Easy Ways to Stress Less & Feel Energised
xx
Bronwyn
