As with the often confounding tier systems, the COVID 19 pandemic has affected us all in different ways. From workers suffering from post-commuter cabin fever to the isolated OAP’s who haven’t seen their friends and family members in months, we’ve all been affected and have responded differently to the effects of the coronavirus.
It’s known that the coronavirus has triggered not only a physical health crisis that has put pressure on the NHS but a mental health one as well. Data recorded in June by the IFS from information collected by the Understanding Society has shown that mental health has worsened on average by about 8.1 percent since the beginning of the pandemic. That’s a huge leap, but mone that isn’t surprising at all. Considering the many lives that have been lost and the huge jolt of change that’s been experienced in almost everyone’s day to day lives, it’s no surprise that mental health has degraded. From furloughed Montcalm Marble Arch London hotel workers to the out of work actors, it’s been a truly tough year for many, especially the disadvantaged.
That’s why, as we reach the end of 2020, it’s good to remind ourselves of the small things you can do keep on top of your mental health and daily routine. Below are just some of the ways you can relax, organise and socialise during the COVID 19 pandemic, and at least slightly alleviate just some of the pressures that you are not alone in facing.
Finding A Sense of Normality
Whilst we can’t take that London city break and enjoy much further than our local neighbourhood quite yet, there are still many ways to maintain a sense of normality in our day to day, slightly more limited lives. An acceptance that things won’t be quite the same for a long time yet is key to this. Once you’ve come to terms with the dramatic differences, you can then find a new normal.
Explore Your Local Area
Walking has been one of the key ways that people have managed their mental health over the pandemic lockdowns. Whilst you might feel you know your local area, this is a great time to explore those hidden corners you might miss on your daily commute. Explore those parks you never visit and the landmarks that you once overlooked on the way to the bus stop. Just as the pandemic has forced us to approach our day to day differently, it can also help us view our local area in a new light, from a renewed enjoyment of local bakeries, takeaways and parks.
Exercise Regularly
Whatever your routine, exercising regularly will help you to decrease your anxiety levels and keep you fit and healthy throughout the pandemic. Whether you’re building up your jogging stamina or stretching deeper into yoga, a regular exercise routine will not only help you to manage any anxiety or mental health issues you’re having but will give you a chance to get out of the house and even explore new places.
But Don’t Put Pressure On Yourself
A healthy exercise routine is one thing, but make sure not to put too much pressure on yourself to achieve a certain level of fitness. What with financial instability and health worries, we’re all under enough pressure as it is. Exercise and push yourself, but only if it’s something you enjoy.
Explore New Hobbies
Whether it be baking, puzzles or something more long-term, finding a new hobby during your periods of isolation will help to while away the hours in a relaxing and fulfilling fashion.
Write Yourself A To-Do List Every Day
This one harks back to our instinctive need for rhythm and patterns of behaviour in times of stress. With so much stress this year, it’s unsurprising that we might crave routine that we feel is sorely lacking at the moment. One way to combat listless voids of time is to write to-do lists each day.
But Don’t Expect To Complete Everything
Make sure your daily tasks are manageable and realistic, especially with the limitations that we’re facing under COVID regulations. It is natural to fight these limitations and try and achieve things that would have been realistic pre-COVID, for instance planning a trip to London with Montcalm 2 night London hotel deals, but holiday planning, long-distance journeys and even dropping something by your office have become tricky to navigate this year. Don’t make life harder on yourself by setting unreasonable and non-COVID friendly tasks. Instead, make sure you have completed at least three achievable goals each day.
Connect With Far-Flung Loved Ones
One of the most important, and often easiest ways to improve your mental health is to connect with family and friends overseas and far away. After all, we’ve got a lot of free time on our hands and video call software that is readily available across the world.
Turn Off The News If It Gets Too Much
Our Montcalm precautionary measures aren’t the only constantly updating COVID responses. Government guidelines, the 24-hour news cycle and our time on social media has increased dramatically, and this means that we’re constantly inundated with news, events and general noise. This is why it’s a good idea to disconnect sometimes.
Make Plans For The Future
Whilst we might not be able to plan holidays, visit family or friends and generally escape from the daily grind at the moment, there’s no reason why we can’t get planning for the future. This might feel like wishful thinking at the moment, but with music and arts festivals already being scheduled for 2021, there’s no reason why we can’t start planning those trips, events and celebrations that we’ve missed so much this year. After all, we all need something to look forward to.
Find Activities Offline
Finding activities offline to enjoy will help you reconnect with the physical world and can even help your sleep patterns. Make sure you have at least half an hour before bed in which you are not connected to the internet.
