How to look after your mental health during lockdown

Anyone that suffers from mental health illness may still be feeling the effects of the first lockdown. The thought of it repeating again will likely feel very daunting, so here's some advice to help guide you through this difficult time. 

TALK

Talk to someone! Whether this is speaking to a family member, a friend, or a helpline. Finding someone you feel comfortable with and can open up to really can benefit you. People will take time to listen and will probably understand how you are feeling without you even realising. 

ROUTINE

It can be all too easy to fall out of routine whilst on lockdown, however keeping a routine will improve your mental health, even if its the simplest of things such as, going for a walk or doing the food shop. Having structure to your day will help you feel more in control of things and help reduce stress. 

GRATITUDE

Try and think of all the things you are grateful for on a daily basis and write them down. Showing gratitude and having positive thoughts will benefit your mental health. 

MINDFULLNESS

Don't overthink things. Try and carry out simple tasks to distract your mind. Set yourself small daily goals and try to establish a routine, even if its only one thing. Find something you enjoy doing, this can be as simple as drawing, reading, colouring, puzzles or bullet journaling. Having something to distract your mind helps with mindfulness without you knowing. Try using your senses as a distraction. For example; What does it look like? What does it feel like? What does it smell like? What does it taste like? It will give your mind a rest from racing thoughts and give you more of a focus and distraction. 

RELAXTION AND REST

Take time to relax and give yourself a rest. Closing your eyes and going to your happy place may sound silly but it can be very beneficial. Going to your happy place and thinking of how you felt when you were there, what were your surroundings that day and what you were doing. This may be somewhere you went to on holiday or your own home. Let your mind escape back to that place or time. RELAX. 

THE 54321 GROUNDING TECHNIQUES.

Spot 5 things you can see

What are 4 things you can hear

What are 3 things you can feel

What are 2 things you can taste or smell

Take 1 deep breath and repeat. 

Doing this exercise can be beneficial to your mental health and wellbeing. 

MINDFULNESS EXERCISES

Hand awareness exercise; Grasp hands really tight and hold for 5-10 seconds, then release and pay attention to how your hands feel. 

Mental focus exercise; Stare at an object and try to remain focused on just that object for as long as possible. The more you stay focused, the more mindfulness will increase. 

Musical stimuli exercise; Listen to your favourite song and pay attention to how it makes you feel. What emotions stir?

Full sensory awareness; Wherever you are just stop and look around, when safe to do so. Become aware of everything around you. How do you feel? What do you notice? Focus on your thoughts and feelings.

I hope you find some of the above information helpful.

Until next time,

Chloe xxx