2020 is turning out to be a year full of challenges. We are all experiencing the negative impacts of coronavirus, lockdown and restrictions to varying degrees – some more so than others (but this isn’t a competition friends). Add on top of all that negativity the fear of FOMO and well – you’ve got a bit of an emotional, mental and social minefield to try and safely navigate.

I recently had a friend reach out to me on Instagram after I had posted a photo of me at a winery. In a very long conservation, she told me she had to put me on mute because she was struggling really hard and was in ‘mourning’ about the life she was missing out on being stuck in Melbourne. She is struggling being at home where the only people she sees are her parents, she also works from home and is only allowed outside for 2 hours a day (except for the backyard) and within a 5km radius of her home. Yes – it does sound quite rough for her.

I’ve tried very hard to maintain a positive outlook during the coronavirus pandemic. In Western Australia we have been very lucky to not be in a lockdown like Melbourne, but we have had our own struggles. The hard border means we can’t leave our state unless we have an exemption and no-one can come in without permission. My entire family lives on the other side of Australia and I can’t see them. My dad was diagnosed and then overcame a very serious illness earlier this year. We had planned for my family to come over to us on the West Coast for a few weeks in March but then coronavirus border laws were enforced. So now we wait for our state government to decide when our borders can open up before I can see my family again.

But let’s look at the positives shall we? I have a loving husband, two gorgeous furkids, a roof over my head, employment and, overall, my health. However, I know there are some people who struggle to see the positives when everything seems so gloomy.

This got me thinking – how can we keep on top of our mental health and maintain healthy friendships during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns? Working with a therapist over the years, the below have been some very helpful tips my therapist has shared with me. Just keep in mind, the ideas below don’t substitute for mental health advice and if you’re really struggling, I encourage you to seek out help from a mental health professional.

1. Have a routine

Having a routine is important – structure helps us to feel that we are in control, hones our focus, makes us more (or at least feel) organised and can help us to be more productive. Your new daily routine doesn’t have to be extravagant – just something that is easily manageable with tasks and goals that are attainable. But if you’re not the most organised person in the world or aren’t quite sure where to start, there are a number of apps that can help you stay organised and create new positive routines such as Habit Hub, Fabulous, Done, ShineDay, and Habit Tracker.

Hint: add one self care activity every single day. This could be a face mask, a cheesy movie, journaling or anything you love to do!

2. Stay virtually connected

Technology is helping all of us stay connected to those that we love and cherish. We can be physically far away but remain close! Staying connected to our family and friends is so important for our sense of belonging – all of which helps to keep our mental health in a good place! When we feel heard, supported and part of a community the sense of loneliness and isolation can be eased. Feeling like we aren’t alone, especially when we are isolated from our normal social activities, is vitally important for our mental health. Be sure to add to your daily routine time to video chat with your family and friends.

3. Get your sweat on from home

Get ready to work up a sweat and get buns of steel all from the comfort of your own home. I absolutely LOVE working out from home – no smelly gym rooms, no grunts from the random guy in the corner of the gym floor and the best thing – I can be in trackie pants! There are a whole heap of free workout channels on YouTube (it’s where I get all my yoga and Pilates routines from!) or download an app on your phone such as Nike+.

4. Meditation or breath work

There’s a lot of evidence supporting the benefits of meditation and breath work for calming and balancing one’s mind during times of distress. I use Calm and they have a breathing exercises section that I find to be so useful during times of stressed, panicking or feeling really anxious. I simple following the breathing bubble on the screen (which is also surprisingly relaxing) and set the time for my breath work session and then…..breathe. It’s amazing how as little as four minutes of doing breath work can have such a huge positive impact on my mood and mind.

5. Mute the conversation

You don’t have to go down the route my friend took and let people know you’re putting their social profiles on mute (because I’ll be honest, as well meaning as the intention might be, it may not go down so well). When you put someone’s social media profile on mute the other person won’t be alerted – which is great if you’re wanting to avoid confrontation or just don’t feel the need to explain yourself. When you’re ready to rejoin the conversation and social media land, simply unmute your friend!

6. Take a break

If muting just won’t cut it, consider taking a break from social media for a few days or weeks or even months. If you are going to take a break, make sure you have a plan for how you are going to maintain connection to the people who matter the most and bring positive vibes to your day. If you would normally video chat via Facebook, maybe download Zoom, Whatsapp or Skype if the people you’re calling aren’t all able to Facetime.

I hope the ideas above are some inspiration of things you can do to add to you mental health and self care game. What are your mental health tips?

Until next time dear friends, take care of yourself and others.

Much love,
Lara X

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