5 tips to keep your mental health on track during lock down 2.0
Just like that we are back in for a 6-week lockdown - back working from home, homeschooling, no seeing friends or family (unless you live in the same house), no gym or sitting to have a coffee at our favourite cafe. It is common to be feeling all the feelings - uncertainty, alone, annoyed and tired, you are not alone and I have spoken with many parents, business owners, and friends that are feeling all the mixed feelings.
Whether you agree or disagree with Melbourne being in a lockdown reality is - it’s here to stay for the next 6 week. However what we can focus on is how we respond to the current situation placed before us, and shift our focus on what we can control.
For many of us our mental health has been at play since the beginning of COVID, here I want to share with you 5 things you can do to keep your mental health in check over the next 6 weeks.
1. Keep moving daily.
Exercise is great for our physical and mental health when we exercise we get a release of the feel-good hormones serotonin in the body, which helps boost our mood, reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk outside, doing some bodyweight exercises, yoga or dancing in your living room to your favourite playlist. Aim for 20-30 min of exercise daily.
2. Practice mindfulness daily - meditation or deep breathing techniques.
Carving out 10 minutes of your day for you to to stop, breathe and check-in with yourself can have a huge impact on your mental health. Stopping and doing 10 deep belly breaths is enough to switch our body from our stress response (Sympathetic nervous system) to our rest and digest (parasympathetic nervous system). Meditation has also proven to reduce stress and reduce anxiety. Some free apps that I have found helpful include one giant mind and insight timer.
3. Separate your work set up and home life.
Back working from home? Aim to separate your workday from home life, if possible work in a study or different room where you can close the door at the end of the day and switch off from work. If this is not possible- aim to turn your laptop off at the end of the workday and put it away. This will switch your mind from work mode to home mode.
4. Check-in with friends and family.
Being back in isolation can be lonely, especially for those living by themselves. Check-in regularly with friends and family - FaceTime, Zoom calls are great ways to still catch up with people whilst still staying safe.
5. Have an attitude of gratitude.
What we focus on we attract, so a great way to switch your focus to the positive things in your life. Practice the art of 3 x things you are grateful for each day and aim to keep them different daily.
Remember we are all in this together Melbourne, stay safe, look out for each other, and wash your hands!