Right now, you may feel as though you are facing a myriad of issues - from anxieties related to the coronavirus pandemic, or ensuring you have enough money to spend at Christmas. Such worries are likely to grow during lockdown, as we have more time to think. As a result, it is important that you take care of your mental health during the latest lockdown. One way in which you can do this is by practising self-care, ensuring you make it part of your everyday routine. Remember, self-care is just as important as having breakfast every morning - you shouldn’t skip over it because you are busy with other things.




With that in mind, here are some ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily schedule - no matter how busy you may be.






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Process your feelings

Often, when we are feeling overly anxious or stressed, we try to bury these feelings deep inside us. We feel that we are too busy to address them, or that they are not worth speaking about as other people may be feeling worse than we are. This is simply not true, and the more you ignore them, the harder it will be to deal with them as they will continue to grow over time. Listen to your body and mind, and address how you are feeling. Think about what has caused this feeling, and what you need to do to heal.


For example, if you are feeling anxious, try and discover the root cause. Are you overworked? Are you triggering yourself? Then, think about what you can do to avoid this in the future. There are plenty of tips online that explain how to reduce anxiety levels, but you should also reach out to those around you or seek professional help if these feelings persist.





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Build it into your routine

Following a schedule, even during the lockdown, is a great way to ensure you keep a sense of normality within your life and can help you stay productive. Your daily schedule may involve going for a walk, heading to work, or cooking meals. However, you must find a way to embed self care into this schedule. For example, set aside some time each day to do something you love or have a chat with a loved one. Even just 15 minutes of self care a day can make a real difference. Remember, self-care comes in many forms, including:



Eating healthy, delicious food. You should aim to eat 3 meals a day.

Speaking to friends/family/loved ones. (Over the phone, or video call, or even text message).

Reading your favourite book - go for fiction for ultimate relaxation! 

Dancing like nobody is watching - get your blood pumping AND release endorphins, serotonin, dopamine!

Exercising - going for a walk, or a jog, doing an at-home workout. Commit to a squat or press-up challenge!

Listening to your favourite music - turn it up!

Watching a film or binge-watching a TV series you love. Line of Duty, anyone?

Pampering yourself. Having a bath, lighting a candle, washing your hair.




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Take a break

Although a large majority of people are working from home, a popular trend seems to be emerging whereby people are working longer hours than usual. This could be due to the fact that you feel less focused at home, so you are taking longer to complete certain tasks. Or, if you aren’t working, you may feel as though you need to fill your day with productive activities, such as home renovations or developing a new skill, or else you feel as though the time is ‘wasted’. Whilst it is great to keep yourself busy, you also need to know when to take a break. Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with having a day off to relax. Don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one.






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Find a release

If you are suffering from anxiety or a similar condition, you must find a healthy way to release any of the negative emotions you may be battling. This could include:


Attending therapy or an online support group


Journaling


Painting/sketching


Spending time outdoors


Talking to your friends/family


Playing an instrument


Exercising