This is a tough time for everyone. While key workers are working flat out in highly challenging circumstances, others are finding themselves alone and fearful about the future. Whatever our experience, many of us are feeling increased levels of anxiety and loss.
It’s particularly hard for rough sleepers and people recently released from prison. Many have poor mental and physical health, reduced immunity, addiction issues and other vulnerabilities that place them at heightened risk at this time.
Alongside official government advice to:
- stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times when you go out
- wash your hands regularly
there are other ways to stay as safe and well as possible throughout this period.
Here are eleven practical suggestions:
- Find and stick to a daily rhythm that suits you. A routine can bring welcome structure, so try getting up at the same time each morning, and including regular activities such as meal preparation or calls with friends or family.
- Prioritise regular exercise – this can help lower your stress levels, increase your energy levels, boost your mental health, and improve your sleep.
- Get out into a green space whenever you can. Research shows that just 15 minutes spent outside in a park, meadow or wood helps people to feel psychologically restored.
- Be intentional about eating balanced meals. Boredom and stress can lead to poor eating patterns, which in turn can lead to a dip in mood. Break the cycle by being as thoughtful as you can about what you eat.
- Keep up contact with friends and family. Physical isolation doesn’t mean social isolation, and there are lots of fun ways to stay in touch – from online pub quizzes and virtual coffees to retro-style phone calls.
- Cut back on the media you follow. Too long spent following the news can be overwhelming. Try checking in just once a day to stay up to date.
- Switch off. Carving out regular time to reflect quietly, pray or meditate can bring much-needed calm and space.
- Make a self-soothe box. Fill an old shoe box with things that are helpful or special to you – like the lyrics of a favourite song, stress toys, a room scent or notes from friends or family.
- Treat yourself by spending time doing the things you love – whether that’s dancing, listening to music, painting, watching comedy, growing some veg...
- Breathe. If you’re feeling anxious deep, slow breathing can really help. Try box breathing, for example, where you breathe in for four counts, hold your breath for four, breathe out for four and hold for four. Then repeat.
- Be self-aware. Do you know the signs that indicate you’re not coping? Maybe it’s headaches, an inability to focus or irritability – whatever they are, watch out for warning signs and take action when you spot them.
If you find yourself struggling, we recommend the help that these organisations provide:
24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire for advice about ways to access mental health support
Samaritans for people finding it hard to cope
Turning Point for drug or alcohol issues
Mind for mental health concerns
Cruse Bereavement Care for support with grief
Christians Against Poverty for debt counselling
Citizens Advice for help accessing benefits
