If you’re worried about the impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on your mental health, you’re not alone. Many people may worry about their finances, feel lonely or generally feel uneasy during this period. The key thing is to not only recognise these feelings as valid but also to take steps to help stay on top of them.
While it is important to stay informed, there are many things you can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such uncertain times. If you need a few tips on looking after your mental health while at home, the below should help.
Make sure to eat well
One thing that can greatly affect how we feel mentally is the food we eat. It is key to follow a healthy diet still and consume food such as fruit and vegetables which give you vital nourishment. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. Eating well will keep you in good spirits and get you through this challenging time.
Stay hydrated
As well as good nutrition, staying hydrated is equally as important. Try to drink 2 litres of water per day as this will keep you feeling good and mentally alert. Start your day with a glass of water, to get your brain alert and ready for the day ahead.
Make sure to rest
Sleep is very important for our mental health and how we feel. Try to stick to your regular sleep pattern while at home during this period and get 8-10 hours of good rest each night. If you’d like to read more on the importance of sleep, take a look here.
Take time to exercise
Our physical health greatly impacts how we feel. At times like this, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy habits, but do try and get outside even if it’s just for a brisk walk. Whether you opt to head outside for one form of exercise per day or workout at home via a free app. Implementing keystone habits can really improve can improve your health and wellbeing. Read more here.
Stay in touch with friends and family
Maintaining close relationships with those you care about is key to your own mental health and keeping loneliness at bay. There are lots of ways you could do this, from video calling to text messaging, phone calls and social media.
Plan out practical activities
The frustration many feel at this time is due to not being able to do anything practical to help. This is perfectly normal but you should try to plan out practical activities, such as DIY jobs about the house or shopping for a vulnerable neighbour, to dispel any negative feelings. You could set a new time to read, watch a film or learn a new recipe.
Set a new routine
The temptation when staying at home is to drift through days with no routine. This can lead to feelings of lethargy or having nothing to aim for in the day. If working from home, try to stick to your normal working routine. If you are not, then try to write out a daily schedule to help.
Talk to support groups if needed
If you feel depressed and need someone confidential to talk to about your feelings, groups like Mind or the Samaritans can help. Do not be afraid to reach out if you need assistance. If you’re worried about staff wellbeing, there’s a number of options to help you support your staff during difficult times, take a look at our partner Mente. Read more here.
Limit your exposure to the news
Being constantly glued to the latest COVID-19 news could make you feel more worried. Try to not check the news too much every day and only use trusted sites like GOV.UK.
Check your work rights
You might feel anxious about your job while needing to stay at home. This could affect your mental state in a major way. A good tip is to learn about your employment options and rights so you feel less stressed overall.
