Are you just surviving, or thriving during the Winter lockdown? I thought that I would base my blog around this, as I know that many of you may be struggling or feeling anxious about the current situation. The nights are drawing in and it may seem harder to deal with the Winter lockdown than the one in Summer. Here are some tips to help get you thriving during the Winter lockdown:
Seize the opportunity to get creative
If you are finding that you have more time on your hands, why not learn a new hobby or craft? Doing so, will help you to take your mind off things and you will also feel a sense of achievement. You may even find a different career/job opening with your newfound skills!
Shop for or make items for Christmas
If you do celebrate Christmas, why not start to prepare for it early? Although we do not yet know whether we can spend Christmas with those who live in different households, there are things we can start to do. We can start ordering presents for people online. Alternatively, if money is tight this year, as it is for many, why not make your own inexpensive presents? Items that can be posted may be best, or, if your friends and relatives live locally, ones that you can easily drop off. Remember, however, it is the thought that counts. If you aren’t giving presents, as you are on a restricted budget, a home-made card would be lovely to receive.
Plan for the Christmas period
If you are likely to be alone at Christmas, plan what you will do. Think about how you can communicate with family and friends over the Christmas period. If you are totally alone, think about perhaps connecting with others who are alone. It would be great to connect with others in the same situation, whether that be by phone, video chat, etc. It would help others, as well as yourself. You could also enlist as a volunteer with a relevant charity or community interest company. That is always something that will help you to feel good about yourself.
Eat and drink wisely during the Winter lockdown
Remember to look after yourself during the lockdown period, especially. Try not to overeat or drink alcohol in excess. This is something that you may regret later, especially if the pounds are creeping on! Comfort eating is an easy thing to do, as is having that extra drink. However, it is not a long-term solution and can cause you health problems going forward. Remember also, to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. This is something that I always have to remember to do myself. To do so, I now make a water bottle up for myself each day with flavoured water.
Make exercise a habit during the Winter lockdown
When we went into the first lockdown we had some lovely weather. I found that it helped to motivate me to go outside for walks. If, like me, you are a bit of a fair-weather walker, you may have to push yourself more now. However, it will make you feel better if you do. Try to be flexible if you can and perhaps plan your walk around the weather. Of course, you may not mind getting wet. If you do, you could choose to do exercise indoors. There are lots of online classes on at the moment that you can do from dance to yoga. If you can make daily exercise a habit, it will make it easier to achieve.
Practise gratitude
It is easy to focus on the negative things in life, especially as the news tends to focus on them. Think about the good things in life and consider, each day, what you are grateful for. Write these things down and read them often. You may wish to make a gratitude diary for yourself.
Reach out for help if you need it during the Winter lockdown
Finally, reach out for help if you need that extra support. If you do not have friends and family to support you, try reaching out to a charity or a professional. There are plenty of people out there more than willing to offer their support. Much of that support is free or available at a low cost.
Get in touch for help in thriving during the Winter lockdown!
You may wish to check out my previous lockdown advice for more help in this area. Please do also contact me if you need help in maintaining your positivity. You may wish to consider how my programme, Mens Sana, can help you. (Check out the Shop area for details of the programme.) Please remember, that we are in this together! Take care.