It’s important to check in with your mental health, especially in unprecedented times. Being confined to the house has its ups and downs, but sometimes it’s easy to get hung up on the downs.
At Direct365, we specialise in helping workplaces… however, now that workplaces are changing, let us help with your wellbeing (because, sometimes, we all need some tips on cheering up).
Cleanse the House
Housework… I’m sure it’s the first thing on everyone’s mind. If you have a massive to-do list you’ve been putting off for ages, then now is the time to tackle it.
Why not put a plan in place for each day? That’ll help to get you out of bed and give your time spent at home a structured purpose.
You may be thinking that unenjoyable housework is unlikely to be beneficial for your mental health, but trust me on this. The benefits of achieving seemingly mundane goals can be astounding:
- Relieving the burden of looming and put-off tasks
- Feeling a sense of pride in the final result
- Focusing on a task to occupy your mind
- Getting your body moving and your brain working
- Creating a more pleasant living space to spend your days
And remember, purchasing some tools and supplies to relieve stress and depression can hardly be seen as “unnecessary”, so don’t worry what others may think when you add paint pots in with your food shopping.
Enjoy the Weather
It’s not often you can say that in the UK, but when you get a sunny day: make the most of it. Don’t sulk that you can’t spend it in the beer garden, walking through a bustling high street or on a day trip somewhere, because there are still many ways you can spend the day:
- Take up litter-picking duties around your neighbourhood
- Find new walking routes and explore nature
- Go for a run or bike ride
- Chill out in the garden
- Open the windows and enjoy fresh air in the house
- Do some gardening
Meditate
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Meditation isn’t always about sitting cross-legged and OM-ing while incense burns. You can make it work for you.
To meditate is defined as: focus one’s mind for a period of time as a method of relaxation.
This can be done in silence, with music playing or even singing. Call me crazy, but it’s even a nice idea to get the kids involved (that’s where the singing can help).
The practice is all about settling your mind and focussing, which can work wonders for mental health. There are plenty of resources online to guide you through different meditation techniques, including apps such as “headspace” and “Calm” which are designed to help you along the way.
Get Involved in Virtual Livestreams
Online solutions are rife in lockdown. The hardest thing about virtual livestreams is picking which one to do out of all the options available!
Painting, crafts, HIIT workouts, yoga, quizzes, bingo – there really is something for everyone.
Browse your social media network and see what’s out there. A lot of livestreams are committing to regular times, so if you find something you like then it can become part of your new routine.
Keep in Touch
It can be easy to lose contact with the outside world when you feel cooped up inside, but there are plenty of ways to keep in touch.
Email your co-workers, text your friends, call your loved ones, video chat family pets – this is your opportunity to become tech-savvy with all the methods of communication out there.
When it comes to mental health, talking helps. Don’t shut yourself away from people who can perk you up.
Do the Things You Never Get to Do
We’ve mentioned the “massive to-do list” that you can get cracking on, but what about those things that didn’t make the to-do list? Leisurely things, like taking a bath, watching a certain show, trying new recipes or teaching the pet some tricks.
Now’s the chance to devote yourself to new at home hobbies, whatever it is that you’ve always wanted to do but never felt like you had the time.
And remember the value in spending quality time with the people you live with. Play games, learn more about each other and engage in debates. Get creative with how to spend your time and your mind will thank you for it.
Seek Help
Support is out there. If you’re struggling, tell someone. Speak with a loved one or a medical professional. There’s no right way to feel, so don’t be so hard on yourself; accepting the help of others might be exactly what you need.
For more mental health resources in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, visit here.