Humans are social creatures, so, it is no surprise that the effects of lockdown, isolating and social distancing are affecting us all. Especially within areas where a “stay-at-home order” has been implemented.
Isolation can have a huge effect on not just our mental health, but our physical health as well. Being isolated can affect our stress and anxiety levels. A negative mood can also increase our risk of physical health conditions. Here are some tips to fill your day with some purpose to protect our health.
Isolation can have a huge effect on not just our mental health, but our physical health as well. Being isolated can affect our stress and anxiety levels. A negative mood can also increase our risk of physical health conditions. Here are some tips to fill your day with some purpose to protect our health.
TALKING TO SOMEONE – Talking to someone who cares is essential in helping us cope with anything we are going through. Although the pandemic has made it difficult to meet up with people in real life – reach out via video, text or phone calls. Just having someone to listen to without judgement can alleviate stress. Although sometimes we may not feel like it, its important to stay connected to others during these difficult times.
MOVE YOUR BODY – Exercise, dance, walk, try online workouts, create a simple home workout, stretch our bodies, practice yoga, walk the dog or with family members! All of these boost your happy chemicals.
MINDFULNESS – Adding mindfulness to our day will allow us to focus your attention on the present moment. This can help us to reduce negative thoughts. Listen to our favorite music, listen to the words and how they make us feel. Practice a mindful activity, get creative, pick something you can concentrate on that’s enjoyable. It can become therapeutic.
DAILY DOSE OF SUNLIGHT – Sunlight boosts our serotonin hormone levels. The Impact of being in lock down during winter has a huge effect on our moods. It is so important to get out and get sunlight every day. If you can’t, try increasing the natural light in your house. If you live somewhere with poor daylight, you could try a light therapy box.
FIND SOMETHING THAT BRINGS YOU JOY – Whether that is listening to music, watching our favorite episodes, hiking in nature or going to the park, helping a family member or neighbor with a good deed can also improve feelings of satisfaction and happiness. We could also choose a new hobby; learn to play an instrument, take a new class or learn through online courses or audiobooks.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF – Celebrate our successes. Being future focused can allow us to stay motivated and gives us a goal to work towards. Try practicing positive affirmations, we should try speaking to ourselves like we would speak to a good friend. Practice gratitude – every morning write down 3 things that we are grateful for. This can help us feel positive emotions and express more compassion for that day.
ENGAGE ONLINE – Find people with similar hobbies or interests in online communities. Join an online book club, engage in online forums that are interesting. There are many fun apps for socializing.
DISTRACT YOURSELF – Having a sense of purpose in our day is particularly important. We now have the time to do something we really enjoy. Whether that is learning to cook, get creative, playing music, dancing, working on a project, spending time with our family or pets.
FUN ACTIVTIES TO DO AT HOME – Play board games as a family, teach the dog new tricks, build indoor forts using blankets/sheets, create exercise circuits or obstacle courses, get outdoors to play sports.
CREATING STRUCTURE IN OUR DAY – This is important for people of all ages. Cabin fever can affect anyone when they are at home. In these uncertain times, it’s easy to fall into the habit of missing meals; having irregular sleeping patterns or neglecting our self-care. Try to maintain a sense of normality even if we are working from home. Try to establish a good sleep routine (go to the sleep hygiene section for tips on this) Set times for meals; work, school, study, getting outside, socializing with others and time to relax. Do something that is enjoyable! Our routine does not have to be the same as before, but it will help to reduce the overwhelming feelings of being at home.
MOVE YOUR BODY – Exercise, dance, walk, try online workouts, create a simple home workout, stretch our bodies, practice yoga, walk the dog or with family members! All of these boost your happy chemicals.
MINDFULNESS – Adding mindfulness to our day will allow us to focus your attention on the present moment. This can help us to reduce negative thoughts. Listen to our favorite music, listen to the words and how they make us feel. Practice a mindful activity, get creative, pick something you can concentrate on that’s enjoyable. It can become therapeutic.
DAILY DOSE OF SUNLIGHT – Sunlight boosts our serotonin hormone levels. The Impact of being in lock down during winter has a huge effect on our moods. It is so important to get out and get sunlight every day. If you can’t, try increasing the natural light in your house. If you live somewhere with poor daylight, you could try a light therapy box.
FIND SOMETHING THAT BRINGS YOU JOY – Whether that is listening to music, watching our favorite episodes, hiking in nature or going to the park, helping a family member or neighbor with a good deed can also improve feelings of satisfaction and happiness. We could also choose a new hobby; learn to play an instrument, take a new class or learn through online courses or audiobooks.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF – Celebrate our successes. Being future focused can allow us to stay motivated and gives us a goal to work towards. Try practicing positive affirmations, we should try speaking to ourselves like we would speak to a good friend. Practice gratitude – every morning write down 3 things that we are grateful for. This can help us feel positive emotions and express more compassion for that day.
ENGAGE ONLINE – Find people with similar hobbies or interests in online communities. Join an online book club, engage in online forums that are interesting. There are many fun apps for socializing.
DISTRACT YOURSELF – Having a sense of purpose in our day is particularly important. We now have the time to do something we really enjoy. Whether that is learning to cook, get creative, playing music, dancing, working on a project, spending time with our family or pets.
FUN ACTIVTIES TO DO AT HOME – Play board games as a family, teach the dog new tricks, build indoor forts using blankets/sheets, create exercise circuits or obstacle courses, get outdoors to play sports.
CREATING STRUCTURE IN OUR DAY – This is important for people of all ages. Cabin fever can affect anyone when they are at home. In these uncertain times, it’s easy to fall into the habit of missing meals; having irregular sleeping patterns or neglecting our self-care. Try to maintain a sense of normality even if we are working from home. Try to establish a good sleep routine (go to the sleep hygiene section for tips on this) Set times for meals; work, school, study, getting outside, socializing with others and time to relax. Do something that is enjoyable! Our routine does not have to be the same as before, but it will help to reduce the overwhelming feelings of being at home.