"Whether it’s yoga to start the morning, lunch-time weights in the garden or an evening run where social distancing is possible, release those endorphins and get moving whenever you can find the time."
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be a stressful time for you and your team. It’s important to learn key ways to look after your wellbeing and keep a positive mindset during difficult times. Here are some tips and coping mechanisms that can help maintain your mental and physical wellbeing both during ‘work hours’ and personal time.
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Stay connected
From virtual zoom coffees to digital dinner parties, it’s important to check in with colleagues, friends and family virtually using tools and apps specialising in video and chat services such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, Discord and good old Skype.
Take care of your body
Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. Whether it’s yoga to start the morning, lunch-time weights in the garden or an evening run where social distancing is possible, release those endorphins and get moving whenever you can find the time – your body and mind will thank you! It goes without saying that it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet too and maintain good sleep habits.
Volunteer
At a time of national crisis, volunteering is an extremely worthwhile use of your time. Not only will you be assisting those who need help during this difficult time, it can benefit you too, by boosting your sense of self-worth and giving you a feeling of purpose. So far, an army of over 700,000 volunteers have signed up to help the NHS!
Do what you enjoy doing
Whether it’s learning something new online, picking up your favourite instrument, getting the mosaic tiles out or watching cat videos and comforting TV (we’re not judging), take some time out to focus on your strengths by doing what you’re good at and enjoy doing.
Read happy news
It’s important to be aware of the impact that negative news can have on your wellbeing. Try and balance this with other perspectives. We recently discovered ‘The Happy Newspaper’ and we’re so happy we did. This quarterly publication celebrates all that is good in the world; a platform to share positive news and wonderful people. You can also follow them on social media for frequent happy updates. Don’t forget, there are still great things going on in the world.
Look for online versions of your regular social activities
Post-work hours, it’s important to wind down and maintain the work-life balance. Just because we’re in lockdown, doesn’t mean there aren’t still great businesses bringing you delicious takeaway dishes, the drinks you used to love at the pub, virtual quizzes and online gigs. Stay connected with your favourite businesses to keep an eye on what virtual activities they are planning that you and your pals can enjoy virtually from your safe places (home).
Get your bake on
Whether you’re the next Mary Berry or you’re a total newbie to the world of baking, this is a great way to distract the mind and satisfy those sweet cravings. If you live alone and are worried about demolishing the lot, why not gain yourself some ‘brownie’ points and leave a batch on a neighbours doorstep as a gesture of good will? If you fancy a spot of baking, try Lauren’s Bakewell Flapjacks.
