Coping with the Lockdown

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SOME degree of anxiety is normal as we live through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Feeling low or down about restrictions on our normal lives is a normal response
That means it is more important than ever to know the key steps to managing your mental health.

Resilience is the ability to adapt well to any challenges and stress you may face in life.
The more resilient you are, the easier it will be to bounce back from difficult experiences.
Taking steps now can protect your mood from dropping, or your anxiety increasing over the lockdown period and build your resilience for the long haul.

Do something everyday that makes you and your family happy

Here is something to help you cope with the everyday jail like feeling, COOKING !!!!!
Cook one awesome meal a day, it can be a Sunday brunch, a hearty dinner or an afternoon salad, kids will especially appreciate your effort and you will be their hero, until the next tantrum. Here is a book to help you with it.


                                      Secret recipes of top chefs and restaurants

                                              Secret Recipes of top chefs and restaurants



Enhance your skills, learn a language - It really boost your confidence and also opens up a whole new avenue for travel, earnings, online activities etc.

                                     Learn language with natural language system


                                                                         Learn Languages with natural language system




There are five key strategies to take care of your mental health while staying at home:
1: Look after your physical well being.
2: Do things that boost your mental health.
3: Avoid things that harm your mental health.
4: Know when and how to get help if you need it.
5: Remember the reason we are all doing this together.


Finding a routine
Taking care of your physical well being provides a good base for your mental well being.
Make it a priority to get enough sleep, be active every day and have regular, nutritious meals.
This is because sleep, exercise and diet are all linked to how you feel emotionally.
While stress and anxiety can cause sleeping problems, or worsen existing ones, a lack of sleep can also cause anxiety.
You may not have the routine that going to work every day provides, so it takes more effort to create one yourself.
However, a good routine helps with good sleep.
A regular sleep schedule sets your body clock into a rhythm, making it easier to sleep each night.
Resist the temptation to stay up late streaming movies and go to bed at the same time each night.
Exercise lifts your mood — especially aerobic activity such as brisk walking, running and cycling, or resistance training (lifting weights).
People who are inactive are up to twice as likely to have depressive symptoms.
Even though options are more limited at the moment, you can go out for a walk, run or bike in your neighbourhood — make the most of this and venture outside every day.
If you have a backyard garden, you have extra space for additional activities.
Even if you live in a more confined space, you can still move regularly throughout the day.
Possibilities include dancing, yoga and online fitness classes.
The link between food and mood is clear. Eating certain foods can improve your mood.
The key is to choose a diet high in vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains and fish, with smaller portions of lean meat and dairy.
Limit sugary, salty and processed foods.
Staying connected
People need to stay connected.
You cannot socialise with anyone outside of your bubble in the ways we are accustomed to.
You can remain in touch by text, social media, phone calls and video calls.
You can talk to neighbours over the fence, but stay two metres away from them at all times.
Reach out to your usual supports over the phone.
Keep in touch more often with the people you care about.
Make sure they are doing okay.
Creativity is key. Arrange a morning cup of tea with your elderly parents while you chat on the phone.
Read a book to a grandchild on a video call.
Have an end-of-day social chat with a friend each night on a video call, or invite mates to Friday drinks on Zoom (video conferencing service).

Focus on letting go
Knowing what you can control and what you can't can help people cope through times like these.
Focusing on what you can do in a challenging situation helps to make you stronger.
Certain things are out of your hand during the pandemic.
But there are things you can do.
- Stay home and save lives.
- Wash your hands often and cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- When you go out for essentials, stay two metres away from others.
Following the above rules is the most profound thing any of us will ever do — to help stop the people we care about from dying.
It seems counter-intuitive, but making the effort to “be there” for someone else is a good way to pick up your mood and settle your nerves.
Obviously there are not as many options during the lockdown, but those living with you will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
No one can deny that these are tough times.
But there are still times where moments can uplift us.
Give your other senses some stimulation too: Stroke a cat, cuddle the people in your bubble.
Notice smells in the garden
Listen to music — choose something that will uplift you, or if you are feeling anxious, pick something calming.
When you are online, check the memes and other things people around the world are sharing.
There are other useful ways to spend your time online, such as mental health and wellbeing apps and videos.
Turn to spiritual or cultural practices that connect you to a sense of purpose and meaning.

Avoid a news overload
You need to stay informed but you don't need to track infection numbers and death rates around the world, or in New Zealand on an hourly basis.
Don't watch every briefing. Just watch out for the summary of any changes. Stay informed, not overwhelmed.
Limit your alcohol consumption
Having a drink can be great for a temporary soothing of your nerves or a boost of mood.
But doing so on a regular basis will do more harm than good.
Alcohol disturbs the balance of chemicals in your brain.
If you use alcohol as your main way of relieving stress and anxiety, there is a risk that you may become dependent on it.
This also applies to any other recreational drug use.
Reduce your screen time
The internet can be a lifeline at times like these.
Movies, gaming and videos can entertain, but excess screen time has been linked to lower psychological wellbeing, anxiety and depression. Take regular breaks from the screen.
Organise something else which gets you moving.

We will talk tomorrow and all the best surviving another day of lackdown


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