With the extension of the current global pandemic it has become important to place a top priority on learning how to protect your mental health during COVID19 lockdown.

Due to new cases in more and more countries across the globe, strict measures have been taken to help curb the spread of the virus.

Schools and offices have closed, markets are only open for essential needs and social distancing is now in full swing.

Perhaps the strictest measure taken so far is the lockdown. Banning most movement except for purposes like shopping for groceries and essential work, the government has sought to eliminate the spread of the virus among people as well as isolating cases.

If a person is found to be infected it is easier to trace the source of their infection and limit the spread among friends, family and coworkers.

However necessary the above measures may be, there are consequences for a lot of people who are not accustomed to living with such restrictions.

Those who are struggling may need to make extra efforts to protect their mental health.

We have put together a few tips to help you protect your mental health during the COVID19 lockdown.

1. Check up on your friends

check up on your friends during the covid19 lockdown to protect your mental health

At this time, your friends need you – maybe even more than you might think. Make a point of checking up on them regularly.

Make video calls and have long conversations if you can; call someone to just talk to them. The chances are they will feel less lonely, and so might you.

This is most likely to affect you if you live alone, and eventually you will crave human contact.

However, while calling people is the next best thing, you should take advantage of the opportunity to speak to your friends as often as you can. It is healthy to stay connected.

2. Minimize your screen time

protect your mental health by minimizing your screen time

Take a break from your social media feeds, phone and computer. It’s a good idea to moderate how often you get updates on the news.

Sometimes taking a day or even a week off social media might be more of a good thing than you realize.

While you can stay connected to your family and friends, the rise of negative news of the spread of COVID19 (even during lockdown), protests against police brutality and sexual assault might be a little too stressful for your mental health.

Create a safe space away from your phone and news channels for yourself to just relax and make the most of being at home.

3. Find a routine and stick to it

Make a routine for yourself. This will help keep your mind focused on the things that are important to you. You can make a routine that simply looks like this:

  • Wake up time – 8 AM
  • Shower
  • Work
  • Lunch break – 12 PM
  • Work
  • Workout time – 6 PM
  • Dinner – 7:30 PM
  • See a movie
  • Bedtime – 11 PM

Note that this schedule will vary depending on your personal preferences, however we hope that this gives you the motivation to come up with one that’s well suited to your lifestyle.

Establishing a routine will not only help your mind to focus, but it will also help your body to get used to it.

That way if there comes a time that you have to return to physical work there will only be minor adjustments necessary.

You may want to make a routine for your family as well – especially when you have children. It helps to control their time and keep them on a regular pattern.

4. Create a sleep schedule

sleep helps to protect your mental health during covid19 lockdown

Block out times to go to sleep and wake up. Practicing good sleep habits will ensure that your body stays healthy and your mind follows suit.

You know how cranky you are when you haven’t slept well for one day? Now imagine doing that consistently and being cranky every day. It will take a toll on your mental health and eventually make you so unhappy all the time.

Instead, practise sleeping at a certain time and waking up at a certain time.

Ensure that the time that you’re blocking out for sleep is enough to give your body a full rest.

It isn’t much help to have a sleep schedule if you’re still not getting enough sleep.

5. Meditate

protect your mental health during covid19 by meditating

Practising mindfulness is very important, especially during the lockdown.

Each day, we are constantly bombarded with the world news, social media images and so on.

In the midst of the global chaos, it is important to be silent and enjoy the simple things.

Practising mindfulness is an essential practice in yoga to relieve depression and anxiety. You can also meditate on a word, or just sit in the quiet sipping your coffee or tea and enjoying the atmosphere of silence, away from all the noise of the world.

You can choose to meditate early in the morning or late at night, depending on what most suits your schedule.

Even if you don’t feel like it, just do it. You’ll soon see why it was worth it!

6. Workout

The best time to fulfill your dreams for a fit and healthy body is now. Developing and sticking to a workout routine is one of the best things you can do for yourself during the lock down.

You can choose to take up a fitness challenge, or find your fitness through yoga. The trick is finding what works best for you and sticking with it.

There are so many fitness experts on the internet with at home fitness programs.

What’s more, you can also check out our fitness schedule and discover how to transform your body in 28 days!

Decide to take one up and commit to it.

7. Get Creative

Now that you’ve got enough time, how about taking up a DIY project? This can be anything from redecorating your room to doing an arts and crafts project with your children.

Doing creative things will not only teach you what you are capable of as a person, but it will also encourage you to imagine the possibilities of what you can achieve, perhaps even for a career.

Be sure to create an atmosphere where your mind can think creatively with no limits.

Things you can do outdoors during COVID19 lockdown:

  • Take a walk
  • Go grocery shopping
  • Sit on your balcony (if you have one)
  • Go jogging (alone)
  • Go for a drive
  • Explore your town or neighborhood
  • Take some photos
  • Go out for a bike ride
  • Play outside with your family
  • Take a jump rope outside
Play outside with your family during COVID19 lockdown

Whatever activities you choose, it’s important to do whatever you can to stay safe while you’re outside.

We are all encouraged to wash our hands and wear face masks while in public. The governments of various countries have banned public gatherings, religious gatherings and parties of more than a certain number of people (the limits vary in different countries).

It cannot be denied that lockdown measures are likely to take a toll on people’s mental health around the world. Whether you live with friends and family or by yourself, you may face mental and emotional challenges.

At MedFanatic, we know that the lockdown isn’t easy for most people who have to stay indoors.

We’re happy to help you recognize all the productive things you can do to protect your mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown.

If you notice any symptoms of depression or anything that feels like a threat to your mental health, be sure to reach out to your Doctor for professional medical assistance.

We wish you good health and optimal mental as well as emotional wellbeing during this pandemic!

Stay safe!

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