Lockdown is here again! How do you feel about this? Has it been a relief or has it caused you further worry? The Government has released new guidelines. Here are a few tips and suggestions for coping with the latest national lockdown.
Talk. Simply talk and/or ask for help. Personally I think this first point is the most important. If you have family, friends or work colleagues, reach out to them, they can help. Distance doesn’t matter as support can be found. You may discover that they are experiencing similar things. Even if their experiences are different it doesn’t matter since you may be able to support each other. Also I am here to listen to your wedding worries and will do everything I can to support you during this challenging time. Finally, there are also local and national helplines to offer guidance and support for coping with lockdown. There is a list at the end of this blog.
Limit social media and COVID-19 conversation. This is often needed due to the overwhelming amount of information that we are faced with. The information can be sensationalised and alarmist – or just plain inaccurate! Set a time limit for yourself and only use a couple of trusted sources. This will, hopefully, help to keep worries and anxiety at bay.
Get creative! Did you know that our emotional brain is very responsive to the creative arts? Which is a direct link for the release of feeling! Let’s get the positive feelings flowing and you will, hopefully, start to feel more optimistic, therefore coping with lockdown. Drawing, dancing, painting, singing (there are many other options) are fantastic ways to feel good during lockdown.
What can you control? We have very little control over our lives at the moment. Many of us are struggling with this as it goes against our very nature. Our day to day experiences have been altered due to the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. So control what you can. Why not organise your bookshelf/kitchen cupboards or plan exciting meals for the week ahead. These types of activity can help to ground us especially when things aren’t what we expected.
Be kind. It is ok to feel upset, grumpy, fed up or irritated. Just remember to be kind to yourself. Use the daily exercise allowance that has been given to get out into the fresh air, treat yourself to a new book or try something new that will support your mental health. For example try mindfulness and meditation, both are excellent for bringing the body and mind back into balanced and consequently a more positive frame of mind. Additionally try to remember that we are all going through this strange time and a little kindness goes along way. Say hello to people and ask them how they are but do remember to keep two metres apart.
Finally…
Covid-19 as all things will come to an end. I’m hanging onto this at the moment as we face the newest lockdown within the U.K. Hopefully some of these suggestions will be of benefit. I would like to hear of any other ways you have to make coping with lockdown that little bit easier. Let us share them and stay strong together.
Local and national support
Samaritans. Confidential support for those experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) www.samaritans.org.uk
North Yorkshire County Council. A detailed and informative page with many links to help with day to day events, e.g. shopping, and more complex issues. www.northyorks.gov.uk
YoungMinds. Information on child/adolescent mental health which will support both parents and professionals. Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) www.youngminds.org.uk
Carers Uk. Support/advice for carers and the people they look after. www.carersuk.org
Relate. The UK’s largest provider of relationship support. www.relate.org.uk
Mencap. Charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Phone: 0808 808 1111 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) www.mencap.org.uk
Age UK. Provides a broad spectrum of support for older people. www.ageuk.org.uk
