LOCKDOWN 2.0: 'TOP TEN TIPS'

'Although we may not all be in the same boat, we are all in the same storm'  

Although a second lockdown is no plain sailing for any of us, we are all in the same storm of what we now know to be 'Coronavirus', a 'global pandemic' or 'Covid19'. That's something to be reassured by in this chaos, you are not alone. 

However, the boats we sail through this storm in, are all different. Some boats are sturdier than others, despite the storm being the same. Everyone has their own battles throughout this challenging time and it has affected us all in a variety of ways. But, the important thing to remember is a second lockdown means we made it through a first, and there is no doubt we can make it through again. There is no 'perfect' way of living through a lockdown, we all have own our coping mechanisms, circumstances and preferences, but in having experienced a lockdown back earlier in the year, we can reflect and think about what wasn't helpful or useful to ensure we help ourselves through this second stint. Although there are parts of our situation that seem intangible right now, it's important to take the time to individually question what we may like to do differently to the last lockdown if we have the opportunity to, to learn from, to ensure we place importance on both our physical and mental health. 

From talking to many of my friends, family and even strangers along the way, I have collated common answers and shared ground when questioning what others and myself have learnt from the initial lockdown to create some top tips to look after ourselves and allow our internal storm to be as calm as possible throughout an external whirlwind. 

1. REFLECT ON YOUR COPING MECHANISMS.  
We all have them. Things that we do even subconsciously to be able to cope with challenges, emotionally or physically. Perhaps constantly snacking, sleeping longer than usual or even the other end, eating less due to anxiety or a constant sickened feeling and not sleeping at all due to insomnia or racing thoughts keeping you up. In tuning into yourself and your own coping strategies you can really unpick what's helpful, what thoughts and feelings are continuing those unhelpful behaviours for you, and allowing yourself to experiment with new and more helpful techniques. Learning from and shifting.

2. REMOVING PRESSURE AND GUILT. 
The first lockdown was a strange and new experience for all. A lot of us turned to what others were doing and fell into the trap of comparison. 'I should do that because they're doing that', when the truth is, it was odd and scary for all of us no matter what we portrayed on the outside. Make an effort this lockdown to tune into your own heart and choices, what makes you feel good, what's helpful and what's hindering. Take time to breathe and be kind to yourself. There is enough pressure surrounding us with a global pandemic, so allow yourself to take any pressure or guilt away, at the moment getting up, showering and taking on the day is enough to be proud of. You are not superhuman with superpowers, you can only do so much and what you are doing to continue and put one foot in front of the other is to be commended.

3. YOU DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO 'DO'. 
There was definitely a pressure surrounding always having to 'do' something in the initial lockdown. In some respect, I believe it's useful to stay active to keep ourselves from falling into a downward spiral of overthinking or feeling down, but being 'productive' is more than getting things done all the time, it's actually more doing what is useful. We are all different. You don't have to copy or follow anyone. It's about bringing our attention to right now and really questioning what's useful for us in helping us feel good. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to of course, but usually there is a reward afterwards nevertheless, cleaning for example, it's not pleasant to do but afterwards you feel all the better for it. It's making choices to look after ourselves. Sometimes that might we going on a walk or sweating to get some endorphins following, and sometimes that might be having a bath, reading a book or having an early night. Doing what you enjoy and what feels useful can be helpful in calming and occupying the mind, whether that's reading, exercising, bathing, listening to music, cooking or simply observing.

4. YOU CANNOT CONTROL EVERYTHING. 
As powerful as we are as humans, unfortunately we are not superhuman. This means although we are in control of our thoughts, behaviours and own actions, we are not always in control of external sources. One of those being Coronavirus. It's reassuring to remind yourself that unfortunately we are here, it's happening, yes it is very upsetting, frustrating, boring and anxiety inducing, but it's not your fault. It's okay to feel a crazy whirlwind of emotions as it's inevitable, but it's wasted energy beating yourself up about it when you alone are not the cause of this pandemic. Although daunting, unknown is also what makes life exciting for us, we can't plan for everything or predict the future and that can take the pressure off for us so we can let go and focus on the present.

5. BUILD A ROUTINE. 
Whether you are still working from home or you are out of work, continuing to keep some form of routine can be really helpful in maintaining a personal structure amongst the unstructured and unknown that comes with the situation. Amongst uncertainty, your own routine is something you can be certain of and stay in control. Setting an alarm, selecting daily tasks, keeping a journal are all helpful in trying to maintain a 'norm' throughout what is actually so far from the true freedom of living. If you are lucky enough to be working, when coping in lockdown we can actually go the other way. Rather than feeling we have 'nothing to do', we overdo it and continue to work from early till late. You must make sure you are also giving yourself a break. It's also useful to continue to get dressed, come out of your pyjamas and get ready, have a separate working space to your bedroom or living room, so your mind has clarity when being able to switch off and come away from working.

6. BE AWARE OF YOUR CHOICES. 
Movement and intake are choices that can be knocked slightly when stressed, anxious or simply in a different routine of lockdown. We are all aware of how important both movement and nutrients are for both our physical and mental health, but it doesn't have to become a stress. Moving our bodies for at least half an hour a day is enough, consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables and making sure we are fuelling ourselves adequately. It's about awareness rather than strict rules and regulations. A balance. Emotional consumption is extremely common, it's a shared experience to turn to food to cope with emotions and it's nothing to beat ourselves up about. In becoming aware of it we can tune into when it's helpful and when it's hindering or becoming detrimental to our health. It's about creating a routine that's breathable rather than too regimented. Balance of what's nutrient dense and perhaps what's less so if you enjoy it and in moderation. Not beating yourself up or punishing yourself for over indulging, it's your bodies way of coping, and unless it's harmful or detrimental, it's okay. It's the same with social media, be aware of how much time you are investing in it. Moderation. Balance. Kindness.

7. GRATITUDE LIST. 
Writing down or thinking of daily things you are grateful for is a helpful way to stay grounded, content and care for our mental health. They do not have to be extravagant, it could simply be that you have a bed to sleep in, the sun is shining or something that made you smile today. It's these little things that will keep us moving and continuing to see the light in what can often cloud us with darkness. Allow yourself to feel, accept it. When we let our feelings live they can come and go, flow in waves and ride like a rollercoaster.

8. MOVE YOUR BODY/ REST. 
Both of these are just as vital as the other. Moving with enhance our mood, the fact that it releases endorphins means it can help us feel good. Moving doesn't have to be an intense HIIT workout or a huge run, it can simply be dancing around to some music, a walk or a stretch. Whatever your body feels like it needs and most importantly, what you enjoy, and that will change every day. Get your blood flowing and your mind can focus on something other than work or the virus. Rest is also important. To ensure your muscles recover and restore, to ensure hormone levels can balance and so your body doesn't burn out or suffer with injury. When in lockdown you can feel as if you have to workout everyday to feel time and keep your mind active, but this can be detrimental. Make sure you are resting to.

9. COMMUNICATION AND THE NEWS. 
Of course, the news and updates are all around and constant at the moment, but it can be unhelpful and overwhelming to continuously keep up with it all. Limit how much you use your time for the news, particularly when it's out of our control. Staying in contact with others is extremely beneficial when in lockdown, particularly for those living alone, it's difficult to not become trapped in your own head and become very lonely. That's when technology becomes vital, and it's something we become very grateful for. Reach out to others, check in on them as well as yourself and stay connected to those you love. Phone them, Facetime them, Zoom them, whatever you prefer or are able to use, it's reassuring to hear or see others and keep in communication for our mental clarity and sanity during this time.

10. GET OUTSIDE. 
If you can, getting outside for a little bit each day can help shift environment and perspective. Space. Nature. Light. All help remove thoughts and feelings of being trapped or claustrophobic when inside. If you have a garden, use it. Just step outside and breathe for a while, take in the fresh air and sights around you. If you don't, perhaps you can go on a little walk before you return home. Although the world is suffering right now, there are some beautiful sights nevertheless.

However you have been affected during this time, you can get through this. Breathe. Throughout this struggle you have your breath and your heart is continuing to beat for you. Let it slow, bring your attention to what's here right now for you to take control back from a racing mind. There are support lines, others to talk to even if you cannot see them at the moment, and there is time to consider and care for you. Look after yourself. Use some of this time to experiment and tune into what feels good, what calms you, grounds you, stops you falling into a downward spiral of overthinking or questioning the unknown. Remind yourself that right now this is about managing. Continuing to take each day moment by moment and be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can and that's more than enough.