A Mental health guide to coping with a winter lockdown
I recently saw a very helpful infographic from Believe Perform, the world’s leading source of performance psychology, well-being and mental health content and it really resonated with me. We all know that lockdown isn’t easy but lockdown in winter is tougher.
Here’s a few tips that might help us all during these next few months.
- Lighting – on dark mornings, try wake up gradually with a slowly increasing light or try out a SAD light.
- Limit the news – we all know how bad it can be for us to have constant news bombarding us and checking social media.
- Taking time for yourself – plan your week – it is easy to lose the boundaries between work and home when you are not going anywhere. Plan time when you can engage in activities that are relaxing and where you have time for you and for some self-care.
- Stay connected – write a letter, send someone a card, do a zoom family call or play a game online with a friend. Some of us are feeling “zoomed” out after constantly being online but see if there are some fun ways to interact with others.
- Positive habits – write down a list of 5 to 10 positive mental health habits you can engage with to maintain your own mental fitness, listen to a podcast or learn a new recipe.
- Stay active – it’s harder in the winter but take a break from work and get out for a walk. Find a new way to be active.
- Help others –supporting a neighbour or a friend, volunteering locally, helping with the chores can really boost your positive emotions
- Ask for help – if you are struggling, reach out to family, friends, your doctor or a local mental health charity. There is always someone to help.
Wiltshire Mind – www.wiltshiremind.co.uk
Samaritans – www.samaritans.org Call 116 123
Shout – text SHOUT to 85258
Kellie runs Dunwoody HR, a local HR Consultancy providing outsourced HR support and solutions to small and medium sized business.