1 Adapt and create positive new routines
If you are experiencing some changes and disruption to your normal routine, try to engage in useful activities (such as cleaning, cooking or exercise) or other activities (such as reading or being in touch with friends). You might find it helpful to write a plan for your day or week.
2 Connect with trusted old friends
Maintaining relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. If you can’t meet in person, think about how you can stay in touch with friends and family via telephone, video calls or social media.
Support from the NHS Volunteer Responders is available to people who are self-isolating or limiting contact with others due to COVID-19, and would like a regular friendly phone call from a volunteer. Call 0808 196 3646 to see if you’re eligible to register. More information is on www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk
3 Talk about your worries
It is quite common to feel worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. Remember that this is a difficult time for everyone and sharing with family and friends how you are feeling and the things you are doing to cope can help them too.
4 Look after your physical wellbeing
Your physical health has a big impact on how you are feeling emotionally and mentally. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which, in turn, can make you feel worse. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and drink enough water.
Where possible, exercise at home and/or outside as often as you wish, ensuring you observe social distancing guidelines. If you can’t exercise outside, you can find free, easy 10-minute workouts from Public Health England (PHE) or other exercise videos to try at home on the NHS Fitness Studio. Sport England also has good tips for keeping active at home.
5 Look after your sleep
Feeling anxious or worried can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how you feel mentally and physically, so it’s important to get enough.
Try to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep good sleep hygiene practices, including avoiding screens before bed, cutting back on caffeine and creating a restful environment. The Every Mind Matters sleep page provides practical advice on how to improve your sleep.
6 If you can, get outside
If you can’t, bring nature in. Spending time in green spaces can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. If you can’t go outside, you can try to still get these positive effects by spending time with the windows open to let in fresh air, arranging space to sit and see a nice view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight, or get out into the garden if you can.
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