Looking after your wellbeing during COVID-19

With government advice to avoid social contact which isn’t absolutely essential, we’re all subject to spending more time indoors and sacrificing our usual social schedules. But it’s not all bad, we’d like to view this as an opportunity to witness a different speed of life and a chance to prioritise looking after yourself.

It’s a worrying time for everyone, but we understand that for students suffering with conditions such as anxiety or OCD it is particularly difficult. Read on for some ways to ensure that you’re looking after your physical and mental wellbeing.

Focus on the facts, not the speculation

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. One good tip if you find yourself feeling anxious, is to limit the information you pay attention to regarding the virus. With it being the topic of conversation socially, on the radio and in any news story, it can be hard to avoid. For every reliable source there will be ten inaccurate accounts. Make a mental note to only trust limited information from reliable sources, such as the World Health Organisation, avoiding constant exposure to media coverage.

Keep a Routine

Focus on the things that you can control: such as self-hygiene and personal health. Not only will this keep you safe from germs but eating well and being active will increase your health and boost your mood. When staying at home the temptation to stay in your pyjamas and tracksuit bottoms is high, after all why bother to dress if you’re not going outside? But trust us when we say this is a bad idea. Firstly it quickly starts to feel gross but also by getting up and getting showered and dressed as normal you’re setting your mind set to wake up for the day. We also recommend staying active. It is still safe to exercise outdoors and going for a quiet walk or run

every day will get you out of the confinement of your house and improve overall wellbeing by getting your vitamin D. If you’re fearful to leave the house in the day then there are plenty of free home workouts that you can access (see our last article). Look to find meaning in each day, as self-isolating doesn’t have to mean boredom. Why not get round to doing those things you’ve wanted to for a while – but never had the time? This could be something as simple as picking up a new book, starting a new hobby or having a wardrobe clear out.

Limit Social Media

Often news finds its way onto our social media feeds and this can create hysteria and panic. Do remember that social media conveys opinion: rarely fact. Reassure yourself by telling yourself that the things you do read will rarely be 100% accurate. Find other ways to relax rather than scrolling through social media, such as watching some light-hearted comedy, reading a book or exercising.

Connect With Others

For those who already struggle with their mental health, being told to self-isolate can prove extremely difficult. Organise video calls with friends for a coffee and catch up during the day or connect with others around you safely by arranging check in times for those people you know are isolated. It may be that you give an elderly relative a call at certain times a day, or check in with friends regularly that you know suffer with anxiety.