Our top tips on how to battle the blues...
But, if we have learnt anything during the pandemic, it’s that life is precious, and we have to try and make the most of it. So, here are our top tips for trying to stay positive and improve your mental health through lockdown three and the year ahead.
Never underestimate the benefits of talking through your feelings. Friends and family might not have all the answers, but they will want to help, and you’ll feel so much better just for opening up. Plus, there’s nothing like hearing a familiar voice and reminiscing over fond memories to make you smile. So, pick up the phone today.
If you don’t feel like you can talk to friends or family, there are also some amazing organisations who you can call for free instead, like Samaritans or Mind.
It’s been proven time and time again that exercise is good for the mind, getting yourself moving triggers an endorphin rush to the brain that is almost guaranteed to make you feel happier. We’re not suggesting you complete a marathon around your living room (although, you could!), but simply doing some stretching in the garden or heading outside for some fresh air will do wonders. There are some amazing free exercise videos which cater for disabled people online, and of course the brilliant Joe Wicks is back with his lockdown workouts too.
It might sound silly, but colour really does make us feel happier and life seem brighter. Some simple ways you can bring more colour into your life might include getting some pens and paints out to do some artwork, putting your favourite colourful top on (if only to wear around the house!) and even just sitting outside and taking time to admire a beautiful blue sky or fiery orange sunset. We’d also suggest filling your plate full of multi-coloured fruit and veg, to help you stay physically fit too.
We’re fully aware that this might be easier said than done, especially if you have young children or are a family carer, but taking some time to rest and refresh is so important – not only for your sake, but also for the sake of your loved ones. We have a generous amount of funding to use to support those who need a respite break, so please get in touch if you haven’t had a break and need one. Alternatively, a hot bath and 20 minutes to yourself will do wonders, and a good book is a great way of escaping reality for half an hour or so too!
This one can be tricky, but forms part of the idea behind Mindfulness. Essentially, we’re suggesting that you simply allow yourself to feel sad or angry or worried. Instead of trying to push your feelings away, bottle them up or ‘put on a brave face’, you are allowing yourself time and space to deal with the feelings. It might surprise you, but it can be such a relief to admit to yourself that you’ve been struggling, and there’s no shame in it too, after all, most people are struggling right now.
