Living in lockdown isn’t easy. Whether you’re working from home, have been furloughed, looking after kids or any combination of the three, spending the vast majority of your time between the same four walls can be draining.
How to negotiate lockdown
Here are some tips to get through the lockdown.
Take each day as it comes
Every day can seem the same during lockdown, even if you’re working from home, the weekdays and weekends weirdly blend into one another. And we know the lockdown will last at least another three weeks, so it’s all but impossible to plan for anything other than the odd trip outside to stretch your legs.
So, try not to think of the lockdown period as a whole, instead try to take each day as it comes or think in terms of what you’re going to do this week. Having a routine can always help with this.
Set yourself some goals
As each day seems to merge into the next, it can be all tom easy to get to the end of the week having achieved nothing more than finishing another box set – life can seem a little pointless if that’s all you have to show three weeks into lockdown.
Try to set yourself some tasks, from decorating a room or your whole property, clearing out any clutter, or even getting better at something or learning something new. From finishing a video game to learning an instrument, competing any task can give you a sense of achievement that can help to give you a much-needed boost.
Find your own space
Lockdown can be lonely. But If you’re living with other people, you can quickly find little quirks and habits they have start to grate, especially if you feel like there’s no escaping them. Similarly, a constant barrage of work meetings, quiz requests and House Party invites can leave you feeling crowded.
That’s why it’s important to find your own space to retreat to, whether it’s another room or getting away from it all on a walk.
Be aware of other people
Stress affects different people in different ways, so try to be aware of other people’s feelings and how life in lockdown might be impacting them. Some might become withdrawn, others might get snappy and spikey, while others might always want to be doing something or arranging online socials.
Always be aware of other people’s coping strategies and why they may be acting like they are, especially if you find the behaviour annoying.
Get yourself fit
Exercise is great for improving mental health, and a dearth of social events and activities can leave you with time on your hands where you can sit and ruminate. Time that could be spent getting fit.
There are any number of health and fitness apps out there for people at all stages of fitness and ability. Taking up yoga can be great for mind and body, while HIIT exercise routines can really help strength and overall fitness without the need of any specialist equipment and workouts needn’t last longer than half an hour.
