10 Tips For Keeping Stress to a Minimum During Lock-down
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COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown regulations have changed our daily lives to an unprecedented level in the post-war era. If it has taught us anything, the need to appreciate our physical and mental wellbeing is the answer.
These are naturally stressful times. Here are 10 things you can do to keep stress to a minimum.
1| Use Your Daily Exercise
Without wanting to go full Joni Mitchell, you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.
Even if you’re someone that wouldn’t be caught dead in a gym, the need to use your hour of daily exercise is essential for fighting stress during lockdown. Whether it’s walking, cycling, or running, you must respect the social distancing rules. Nonetheless, the chance to release some endorphins and gain a little fresh air will have a telling influence.
2| Seek Financial Help
Financial worries are a major source of stress at all times but are an even bigger issue if your income has been affected by the lockdown. The government has announced several schemes to support people throughout this difficult time, while several banks offer mortgage holidays. Downloading a budgeting app can help you regain financial control too.
Do not suffer in silence.
3| Take Medications
Gaining professional medical support from GPs is, understandably, very tough right now.
Still, this doesn’t alter the fact that you deserve the prescriptions and support needed to manage your conditions, including any that surface as a direct result of the lockdown. Visiting an online pharmacy is the most convenient approach. It satisfies social distancing too. Whether it’s migraines, allergies, or arthritis, reducing physical strains will reduce mental stress.
4| Write A Journal
You don’t need to be the next Shakespeare to reap the rewards of keeping a diary at this time. Documenting your thoughts, fears, and reasons for feeling stress will often transfer them to the paper. Bottling up your fears is never the answer. Studies show that this can encourage a better night’s sleep, which is another key step to beating stress.
This step also injects a little structure back into your days.
5| Connect With Loved Ones
Loneliness is a major threat to your mental wellbeing and can leave you feeling very stressed.
Whether it’s Zoom, Facetime, or text messages, it’s good to talk. Nothing replicates face-to-face interactions, but this is the best substitute at this time. Even a few minutes catching up with family and friends can provide a serious happiness boost. In turn, this can help fight stress. If you don’t live with your partner, virtual dates are ideal.
6| Schedule Alone Time
Human interactions (even virtual) are vital for maintaining a positive mindset. However, being locked away with your family or housemates on a near-24/7 basis is tough. An hour spent watching your favourite Netflix show or having a long soak in the bath will help reset your mind. The relaxation and ability to break up the day is a fantastic combination.
Even listening to a podcast while doing the dishes can help. Embrace it.
7| Take A Tech Break
Most people will have had their minds blown after that first weekly Screen Time update.
The lockdown rules will naturally see most people spend more time than ever glued to various screens. However, you should schedule periods throughout the day to avoid the tech features. Mealtimes are a great time to do this while avoiding the blue light of your screens before bed can aid your sleep patterns too.
8| Eat A Balanced Diet
Fuelling your body in the right way is more important than ever. Good hydration should be top of the agenda, but other steps like getting enough fruit and veg is vital. Meanwhile, supplements can be a good addition at this time. Vitamin D is particularly important give the lack of sunlight you’re getting due to the lockdown.
When you eat right, your mental and physical wellbeing will remain in a positive place.
9| Redecorate The Home
You are currently stuck at home for longer periods than ever. So, you cannot ignore its importance.
Previously insignificant issues around the home will suddenly play on your mind, and it will generate a spike in stress levels. You probably have a lot more time on your hands than usual. Now is the time to discover simple home upgrades and implement them ASAP. A happier home environment will be reflected by a happier mindset.
10| Remember It’s Not For Ever
Last but not least, you should remember that this isn’t forever. The lockdown rules are in place to protect people and reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. Even if we suffer another few weeks of restricted living, it’ll all be worth it. Normality will return sooner than you think, and you’ll have gained a new respect for the simple joys in life.
Keep this in mind, and it’ll keep you in the best situation.
