As much as we’re all trying to keep as positive as possible, it’s safe to say lockdown fatigue is setting in; read our top tips for managing your mental health during lockdown.

Let’s not beat around the bush; times are tough right now. Really tough. And while we’re trying to keep our chins up, it isn’t coming naturally.

We can’t change our employee’s and client’s personal situations – we know that we’re all tackling different battles. But we did want to take a moment to pull together a few ideas that (we hope!) will support your mental health during these (buzz phrase incoming) unprecedented times.

Of course, we aren’t mental health practitioners and don’t claim to be. If you are ever in mental health distress or crisis, please do not hesitate to contact a professional.

Tips for keeping busy and prioritising your mental health during lockdown.

1. Set yourself a challenge.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but never quite found the time for? Why not give it a go? The challenge doesn’t have to a be a huge one – it could be as simple as getting in your 10,000 steps a day. Maybe you’ve always wanted to complete a Rubik’s cube. Or read a certain number of books throughout a year. Whatever it may be, setting yourself a challenge can be a great way to focus your mind and gain a much-deserved sense of achievement.

2. Declutter your environment.

You know what they say – happy space, happy mind! A messy space – whether that’s your home, your workspace or your car – can clutter our headspace. Have a ‘winter clean’ and see if it makes you feel any lighter.

3. Get outside.

Okay, we know it’s pretty baltic at the moment, but you should still try to get outside at least once a day. Being outside in nature can have a profound impact on our mental health – from our anxiety, to stress reduction, our cognitive function and even our sleep.

4. Adjust your routine for winter.

In Lockdown 1.0 we had the benefit of a roaring hot spring and summer to distract us. We could sit outside with a cold beer or enjoy strolls without the protection of 50,000 layers. Many of your coping mechanisms from past lockdowns may no longer be accessible; so find new ones. You could put your cooking skills to the test with some winter warmers, or even work on a new skill. For those who really struggle with the drop in light, you may also want to consider buying a SAD lamp.

5. Keep communicating with loved ones.

You may be feeling a bit Zoomed out, but it’s so important to maintain contact with your family during these tough times. If the idea of doing another quiz makes you want to throw your laptop at the wall, then why not try something else? A virtual pub crawl or a murder mystery can be a great way to have a bit of fun over the weekend while getting to see your family and friends on the screen.

6. Stimulate your mind.

When you’re feeling sluggish with a lack of motivation, the only thing you may want to do in the evening is slob out on the sofa. And hey – sometimes that’s precisely what you need to do. However, sometimes it can bring your mood down even further. Why not, instead, keep your mind stimulated every now and again? We’ve become a tad obsessed with a certain 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Frustrating, maybe. A first class distraction, absolutely.

7. Take some time to breathe.

Apps like Calm and Headspace offer some brilliant, easy to follow meditations that work wonders for grounding you and easing the monkey mind. They include sleep meditations, ASMR and daily breath-work if you need a helping hand staying calm and collected.

We hope this tips help in some way – if you’ve got any you’d add to the list, drop us a comment on social media. In the meantime, you can get in touch with our head office by contacting a member of our team.