#MindYourMind – Looking after your mental health whilst social distancing
#MindYourMind – Looking after your mental health whilst social distancing
From Nepal to New York, more than 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home to help stem the coronavirus pandemic. Doctors in France and the U.S. are scrambling for medical supplies, while the U.K. levelled its toughest peacetime restrictions ever. Latest lockdown announcement here
Self isolation at home can cause negative psychological effects including: anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, confusion and anger.
For most people, the extended period of social distancing away from colleagues, loved ones and friends can be hard on ones mental health.
Here are a few ways you can practice self care and #MindYourMind whilst at home:
- Limit the news and be careful what you read – seek quality over quantity
- Have breaks from social media – mute things which are triggering
- Stay connected with people – from ZOOM and TickTock, to group chats and calls – it all counts
- Avoid burnout – when working from home, set and stick to a structure…more tips here: Making your home work for you during the outbreak
- Engage in physical activity – from yoga, a run, to body weight exercises – keep your mind stimulated and your temple active with these ‘at home’ workouts
- Encourage your kids to exercise – and join in with them! Watch P.E with Joe for a 30 minute routine:
- Healthy Distractions – Virtual social hangouts are a great way to occupy your mind. See how to host a virtual Netflix Party or take a Virtual tour of the worlds best galleries and museums
- Listen to an Audio book – Amazon today cancelled the subscription of books and audio stories for children and students of all ages. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet using the following link
- Listen to a Podcast by Black British women here – from ‘Say Your Mind’ by Kelechi Okafor, ‘About Race’ with Reni Eddo-Lodge, or the ‘Receipts Podcast‘ – you’ll laugh and learn at the same time!
- Give yourself permission to relax – Its a very stressful time, so its okay to have a nap, watch TV, stream your favourite movie, bake a cake, do some crafts or just meditate.
In the comments below, let us know how you #MindYourMind during these uncertain times.