The first thing to remember, is that not everyone is the same. Jumping into being productive may be a coping mechanism for some people, but it won’t be the case for others. With the situation going on at the moment, it’s okay not to feel normal. Whilst we might not be able to change the situation, we can change the way we look at the situation. 

We’ve put together a few suggestions for how you can keep on track of your mental health during the Covid-19 lockdown...

Get up and get dressed

Working from home means spending the majority of our time in joggers and comfy clothes, but this constant reminder that you’ve got nowhere to go can demotivate you. Every now and then get up, get showered and get changed into clothes that you’d go out to meet your friends in! Looking good and feeling clean can boost your self-esteem and confidence. 

Take one day at a time

Try not to think ahead too much about all the events, holidays and days out you may be missing out on. Try to remain present and focus on being kind to yourself in these isolating times; thank yourself for taking each day as it comes. Appreciate the little things in life and try to let go of any negative thoughts. 

Get out of the house

Even though the country is currently in lockdown, it’s important to make sure you get outside (abiding by the social distancing rules of course). Try to get outside for some fresh air at least once a day to clear your head and concentrate on yourself. Go for a walk, a run or even just sit outside in your garden to sunbathe and try to be mindful and focus on the present. 

Embrace your low days

Everyone has bad days. Instead of dwelling on these days, embrace them. If you need a day of sitting in a dark room alone then embrace it, if you need a good cry, then let it all out. It’s perfectly normal for people to experience bad days, the important thing is to not let these days carry over to the next day. Embrace your bad days and then pick yourself up and make the next day better! 

Keep in touch with friends and family

People struggle with mental health in their own way; sometimes being listened too is the biggest help. Check in on your friends and family members and make sure they’re okay. People often choose to suffer with their mental health in silence so make sure you’re there to listen to your friends if they reach out to you. 

Take time out

Take at least one hour out of the day each day and dedicate it to yourself. Whether you choose to sit and read, listen to music or run a bath and splash on a facemask, whatever you choose to do, do it for you. Time to yourself can help boost your positivity and self-esteem. 

Find a Hobby 

Now is the perfect time to throw yourself into a hobby, whether it be a new hobby or a current hobby. If you enjoy doodling, why not take it one step further and start getting into art, or if you enjoy reading, why not re-read one of your favourites or order a new bestseller. Focusing on something new can help reduce stress and anxiety levels!

Limit your screen time

It’s become a habit for most people to spend hours scrolling through your phone on the internet and social media when boredom hits. Nine times out of ten we don’t even realise just how much time we spend on our phones. Try to monitor and reduce the amount of time you spend on your phone. Set time limits on your social media accounts and spend more time being creative and productive.

Remember,  we’re here for you! Even if you just need to chat, so don’t hesitate to message us or student services and we’ll always try our best to help! If you don’t feel like you can talk to us, your friends or your family, then there are other services such as Samaritans that are always on standby to talk to you.