We are living in extraordinary times due to the impact COVID-19 has had on all of us.  It has never been as important for us all to look after our mental health as we move through these challenges which have been thrusted upon us.  On Monday 4^th January 2021 at 8pm we were told once again the country would be setting foot into another lockdown.  Hearing the news may have brought up feelings of more uncertainty, being powerless, confusion, panic, isolation, overwhelmed, anger and stress to name a few.  Here are some suggestions to support your mental and emotional wellbeing during these hard times.

• Continue your usual mental health routine, you may just need to be more creative.
• Appreciate the outside world by going for a run, walk or bike ride.  I know it’s not quite the gym or a workout class you are used to but releasing those endorphins will give your outlook on the day ahead a boost.  Try and exercise regularly in the fresh air and take in the beautiful surroundings and sounds around you.
• Beauty salons are shut but how about giving yourself a hand or foot massage using your favourite creams.  Give some relaxing music a try and smell the aroma from your favourite candle to relax the body and mind.
• Run that tranquil bubble bath and surround yourself with dim lighting or lose yourself in a book.
• Listen to your favourite Podcast whether this is a motivating, intellectual or a funny one.  Podcasts can work tremendously well by encouraging the listener to use their imagination and build up pictures in their mind.
• Take care of your body.  Make sure you are hydrated and are eating well-balanced meals.  Try doing some stretches, yoga, pilates or meditation by creating calmness and increasing body awareness.  Get enough good quality sleep to support your physical and mental health.
• Take breaks from listening or watching the news or even social media.  Filling up our minds with what is happening can alter our mood and over a period of time could deteriorate it.
• Connect with others.  We are social creatures.   Use phones or computers to stay in touch. Hearing a friendly, familiar voice, or reading a message from people we care about, helps us to feel more connected and supports us mentally.  Join an online community which appeals to you and connect with others.
• Give something back to the community or start a new project.  Having a sense of purpose creates motivation and new opportunities by supporting our wellbeing.
• Reach out to someone who you trust and who will listen to you and let it all out.  Holding things in can have an adverse effect on your mind and body.

I hope some of these suggestions you find useful during these difficult times and remember to breath, do what you can, go at your own pace and take small steps. 

We are not all in the same boat but we are all in the same storm.

If you feel you would benefit from counselling to explore this challenging time, please get in contact with me.