When faced with our third lockdown for the foreseeable future, many of us are experiencing an ongoing exhaustion and frustration towards the situation. Despite our individual circumstances and personal hurdles, what stands true is that we’re not alone in sharing these feelings. But no matter how tiresome and endless this cycle may seem, in the words of Stephen Hawking “When there is life, there is hope”.
Although there’s no ‘perfect’ way of living through a lockdown, we can place importance on our wellbeing and allow our internal storm to be as calm as possible throughout an external whirlwind.
- REFLECT ON YOUR COPING MECHANISMS. Things that we do to cope. Some are helpful and some can be detrimental. In tuning into yourself and your own coping strategies you can really unpick what’s helpful, what thoughts and feelings are continuing those unhelpful behaviours for you, and allowing yourself the time to experiment with new and more helpful techniques. Learning from and shifting.
- REMOVE PRESSURE AND GUILT.
We may turn to what others are doing and fall into the trap of comparison. ‘I should do that because they’re doing that’, when the truth is, we’re not all clones of each other. Make an effort this lockdown to tune into your own heart and choices, what makes you feel good, what’s helpful, and what’s hindering. Take time to breathe and be kind to yourself. There is enough pressure surrounding us with a global pandemic, so allow yourself to take any pressure or guilt away. Simply getting up, showering, and taking on the day is enough to be proud of. - YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO ‘DO’.
It’s useful to stay active for both our physical and mental wellbeing, but being ‘productive’ is more than getting things done, it’s doing what is useful: it’s bringing your attention to right now and questioning what’s useful for us in helping you feel good, making choices to look after ourselves. Giving yourself permission to do what you enjoy and what’s useful can be helpful in calming and occupying the mind. Setting time aside to relish in those comforts that keep you going which for me, is the likes of Gogglebox and Schitt’s Creek – these have been evening rituals to shut off from the noise for a while. - YOU CANNOT CONTROL EVERYTHING.
As powerful as we are as humans, unfortunately we’re not superhuman. Although we are in control of our thoughts and behaviours, we’re not always in control of external sources. One of those being Coronavirus. It’s inevitable that we will feel a crazy whirlwind of emotions, but it’s wasted energy beating yourself up when you aren’t the cause of this pandemic. You can only do your bit by following the guidelines. Although daunting, unknown is what makes life exciting, we can’t plan for everything and that takes the pressure off so we can let go and focus on the present. - BREATHABLE STRUCTURE.
Whether you’re working from home or out of work, continuing to keep a routine can be helpful in maintaining a structure alongside the unknown. Amongst uncertainty, it’s something you can be in control of when maintaining somewhat of a ‘norm’. If you are working, remember that Boris’ ‘work from home if you can’ statement doesn’t mean that’s all you’re to do. You must make sure you are also giving yourself a break, switching off, and coming away from working too. - BE AWARE OF YOUR CHOICES.
Movement and intake are choices that can be knocked slightly when stressed, anxious, or simply in a different routine of lockdown. We are all aware of how important both movement and nutrients are for both our health, but it doesn’t have to become overwhelming. Moving our bodies somewhat and consuming a variety of nutritional foods can help us to feel good from the inside out. It’s about awareness rather than strict regulations. A balance. It’s the same with social media, be aware of how much time you are investing in it. - THE GOOD AMONGST THE BAD.
Writing down or thinking of daily things that have made you smile is a way to stay grounded and grateful as well as taking care for our mental health. They don’t have to be extravagant, it could be something small. It’s these little things that will keep us moving and continuing to see the light in what can often cloud us with darkness. - MOVE YOUR BODY/ REST.
Both of these are just as vital as the other. Moving is scientifically proven to enhance our mood – when we move, our body releases endorphins that make us feel good. Moving doesn’t have to always be extremely intense, it can simply be dancing around to some music, going for a walk, or stretching. Whatever your body feels like it needs and most importantly, what you enjoy, and that will change every day. Rest is also important. When in lockdown you can feel as if you have to workout every day to fill time and keep your mind active, but this can be detrimental. Make sure you are resting too. - COMMUNICATION AND THE NEWS.
Limit how much you use your time for the news. Staying in contact with others is extremely beneficial when in lockdown, particularly for those living alone – it can be extremely difficult to not become trapped in your own head. That’s when technology becomes vital and it’s something we become very grateful for. Reach out to others, check in on them as well as yourself, and stay connected to those you love. It’s reassuring to hear or see others and keep communicating for our mental clarity and sanity during this time. - GET OUTSIDE.
If you can, getting outside for a little bit each day can help shift environment and perspective, as well as feelings of being claustrophobic when inside. Take in the fresh air and sights around you. Although the world is suffering right now, there are some beautiful sights nevertheless.
Featured image courtesy of Kristina Tripkovic via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license is available here.