MaurineTheuri
Member
It can be hard to keep ourselves motivated, content and stop the dark thoughts from clouding us on a normal day let alone one spent in lockdown.
This year and last saw, for a lot of us, our mental health issues meet confined spaces in our homes during a global pandemic due to the coronavirus.
If you are in such a place, there is a link at the bottom of this article which will take you to a really neat and handy page on the official NHS website which contains hotline numbers and email addresses for every single charity and organisation that can help for an array of MH concerns.
Please do not let go. You are not alone and remember you can set the tunnel alight yourself.
For those of you who have hit a slump, feel down and can't shake it amid quarantine or just need some motivation, here are a few tricks that we have been using to boost our mental health in lockdown...
1. Be present
Learn about how to live in a present mindset, try something new, give some time to testing out positive manifestations and mindfulness.
Take a mood assessment quiz and assess yourself to see where you are at mentally (do research on the sites before you do. There are some cracking ones made by trained psychologists).
By knowing where your head is at it can help you to put in steps to feel better!
A tip, shut out the world for a period of time - we recommend six months - and just go wild.
Try things like yoga, meditation, eating clean, all the things people will call you crazy for doing but will ultimately keep you present.
2. Have some alone time
Do whatever you enjoy!
Read a book, listen to music, masturbate or take a bath. Whatever it is you adore doing, do it. The smallest things are often best to indulge in during these troubling times.
Spend time alone so that you can get familiar with yourself and do something for you, that you enjoy and that makes you happy.
You will only discover what habits and things you enjoy the most by being alone and using the time to explore yourself in all areas.
And the only positive of lockdown is that you have this extra self-care period in your life.
Why not see it from that perspective from now onwards?
3. Physical exercise
Socially distanced walks, simple home workouts or even some sexy time with your partner - it isn’t all about the gym!
Set yourself small achievable targets and hitting them will raise your self-esteem.
Even if that is 10 press-ups or 20 squats a day. Just do something, no matter how small.
Once you get moving slowly, it builds over time. Believe in yourself and what your body is capable of.
4. Learn a new skill
Cooking, playing an instrument, learning a language... etc. there are so many things you can try and now is a great time to do it!
We recommend writing down a list of all the funky, quirky, fun - everything - skills which you are keen to pick up during your lifetime.
You will kick yourself if you didn't at least try.
Just try spending 10 minutes a day spent on building your chosen skill and in six months time you will see yourself thrive at it.
What you will find is, not only does it distract you from negative thoughts, it adds something into your life which is purely yours to treasure - whatever it so be.
5. Smile more
Yes, you may look like a slightly crazy person but who cares a smile can go a long way even if you can’t see them much behind a mask.
One problem this pandemic is causing is ruining people's mental health.
One small thing you can do to feel a little better is to remember to smile as we are smiling less due to wearing face masks.
Keep wearing them however remember to smile still.
Psychologists say smiling, "can trick your brain into happiness — and boost your health".
They also claim: "A smile spurs a powerful chemical reaction in the brain that can make you feel happier.
"Science has shown that the mere act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress, boost your immune system and possibly even prolong your life."
6. Connect with others
Even if it is on Zoom, find people with similar hobbies/interests, share positive experiences in a world of negatives and provide support to one another.
We mention find people and connect with people on a similar wavelength to you as if you're constantly surrounding and connecting with negative people it will affect your mindset in the end.
If you want to be happy, talk about your dreams and goals, surround yourself with like-minded souls and reach out to others who are doing just that.
7. Education, education, education
As we have preached above, we get the whole situation is not ideal but take the positive which is more time for YOU!
So, why not complete an online course, work on a DIY project or try a new hobby - homeschooling doesn’t have to just be for the kids.
This is your chance!
8. Practice some self-love
Grab a face mask, run a bath, light a candle - just have some you time doing things you enjoy and don’t feel guilty about it at all - it is necessary and productive as it takes care of your wellness and therefore, your mindset.
We call it, Prep of the Return.
It's when you have been feeling a bit meh or down and you spend an evening doing everything which makes you feel sexy or good about yourself.
From washing your hair to giving yourself a massage to whatever it is you want to do.
Do this as much as you damn wish.
9. Set realistic goals
Spend some quality time with yourself writing out a bucket list, tackle a problem you know you could solve now have the time to (you will feel amazing for it) or/and write down steps of how you will achieve the things you want too.
Make these realistic as it will motivate you to go for them.
Once you have accomplished the realistic aim, you can then make your next goal harder and therefore, you are taking the steps to a happier you.