How are you? No, really, how are you? Not physically, but emotionally. How is your state of mind? We are living in uncertain times right now. People are working from home, or practising social distancing. Lots of us are not moving any further than our own front doors and not seeing anyone or having any conversations. Initially this sounds like it may actually be quite nice and there are times when in our busy lives we yearn for a bit of quiet time but in reality it can really take its toll on our mental health.

There is a lot going on right now, and just because it is something that we are all having to go through, it doesn’t mean that you’re not able to have your own feelings about it.  If you have found that you are struggling or need some inspiration of ways to look after your own wellbeing whilst in isolation, I have put together a list of things you can try below;

• Acknowledge how you feel. If you’re doing ok with it, that’s great, but if you have days where you feel like crying – cry! Acknowledge your feelings; don’t try to hide from them. Give yourself time to feel what you need to feel and then try to move on from it. Do something to help distract yourself.
• Try to sleep well. You may or may not have work in the morning, but keeping to routine can be really good, for your body and mind.
• Eat well, as well as you can. Try to cook meals rather than rely on convenience foods. Again, stick to routine, try not to succumb to snacking, comfort eating or alternatively, not eating at all. It is important to eat well and maintain your intake of vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system healthy.
• Try to stay active – this may seem difficult when restricted to the confines of your own home. Walk around your house, do housework, gardening or tackle DIY projects.  If you would like some guidance with this Make Me A Plan can provide tailor made nutrition and fitness plans to help you reach your goals. Take a look at our website and get in touch if you would like some help.
• Change your environment. Spend time in different rooms or in your garden so that you don’t feel so restricted.
• Keep communicating with other people. You can check in on others in a variety of ways; video calls, phone calls, texting, emailing, audio voice messages. Video calls are a great way to keep in touch as we can see each other’s faces and that can help us to not feel so lonely. If you are feeling low, not ok or even unwell it is important that you let someone know – a friend, a doctor or Samaritans on 116 123.
• Try to keep things in perspective. This can be difficult as a lot of what we are hearing or seeing at present feels like bad news. Try limiting your intake of this bad news to keep yourself feeling positive. Maybe restrict your social media use, or how often you watch the news. If you do hear/see or read anything that scares you, try to think logically; is this report sensationalising the issue for headlines? Is it purposefully scaremongering or do I feel it is a balanced, responsible account?
• Keep yourself mentally active. Maybe by signing up to ELearning, reading a book, completing a painting by numbers or even trying something new.  Keep a journal to read back over later on – this may help to put feelings into perspective. Practice breathing techniques to help you deal with stress.
• Continue with your normal, daily rituals. This may be a little more difficult than usual but we can continue to observe our daily routines by continuing to do the small things that help to structure our days; showering and dressing at the same time as if we were at work or having a coffee break around the same time as you usually would. Keeping busy during working hours, keeping a regular bedtime and things like that.
• Be nice to others. This may seem obvious but when in close proximity with others and so many of us having strong feelings about the situation we are currently in it is easy to forget our manners or be short tempered. Try to remember that others may also be feeling some anxiety or concern. Practice empathy.
• Keep a gratitude journal. It can be important during stressful times to remind ourselves of things we are grateful for. Each day I think of three things that I have been grateful for that day. These things can be people, words, material objects, feelings etc. There really is no right or wrong answers and can be the smallest of things. 
• Good Hygiene! We have all heard about the importance of good hygiene and this advice from the NHS still stands.

• Last but by no means least, look after yourselves and each other. The situation is developing daily but you can keep up to date with the most recent and factual information and guidance on the Government website. Remember that these measures are only for a limited time and will end.

Take care

Tamsin

xx