Although the world feels as if it's on pause at the moment, for many of us our minds are working overtime so taking care of our mental health has never been more important. Below are some tips for staying active during lockdown to keep on top of your mental and physical wellbeing.
Having a routine
Giving yourself structure during this uncertain time can help keep you motivated and setting goals/challenges can help you feel a bit more orientated and motivated. I've found it can be really easy to aimlessly spend hours on social media, so I've found it really beneficial to plan a few hours without any screen time into my day to stay focused.
Know when you're burning out
Sometimes it can be hard to recognise when you're going into overdrive and pushing yourself too hard. Make sure to take some time to relax and take some time off revision/work for a day and indulge in Netflix for a few hours without feeling any guilt to give yourself a break.
Stay active
Exercising is beneficial for your physical and mental wellbeing as it helps boost your mood through the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin. If you're able to get out of the house for a quick run or an online yoga session it can really help clear your head and help you refocus. Usually, I would be in the gym but during lockdown, I have pushed myself to try something new and go cycling, which has been a great way to let off some steam and by the end, I always feel refreshed with a more positive attitude.
Try a new hobby
Take advantage of the time at home to venture out of your comfort zone and be creative. Local volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills and have an affirmative release from academic work.
Listen to music or podcasts
I've always found that listening to music really helps me to relax in times of high stress and especially during lockdown I've been taking the time to listen to different playlists on Spotify which is also a great way to discover and support new artists in these unprecedented times.
Keep talking
It's important to focus on the positive and utilise technology to keep in contact with your loved ones to give you (and them) a mental boost. Arranging weekly quizzes with my friends has been a great way to keep us connected and entertained and has definitely been testing my mental ability!
