We understand that continuing to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak is vital. We’ve put together some useful tips and online resources aimed at promoting self-care and reducing stress and anxiety during this difficult time.
- Stay connected with friends & family – Keeping in touch with loved ones is key to wellbeing during the lockdown and social distancing. Try new, free online platforms like Zoom and Houseparty help you stay connected or simply picking up the phone or writing a letter can help you stay connected.
- Keep a routine – Life might look quite different at the moment and you may be juggling more, but keeping a routine will help you manage anxiety. Try to fit in some self-care, even if it’s just something you enjoy doing for for 20 minutes.
- Manage your intake of news and social media – It can feel important to keep checking the latest news and our social media feeds, but try to recognise how it is affecting your mood and if you think it’s making you feel worse, try to switch off on only check-in for a limited amount of time.
- Be present & breath – grounding ourselves in the present moment, whether that’s going for a walk and noticing what’s around us or doing some breathing exercises can really help lower stress and anxiety. We’ve got some great resources to help you below.
- Accept your feelings with self-compassion – it is normal and natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed at times, especially during such uncertain times, but we can often make ourselves feel worse by negative self-judgement. Try to accept your feelings and take time to write down your worries or talk to someone about how you’re feeling.
Mental Wellbeing
Public Health England – Government advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Mind: Coronavirus and your Wellbeing – Practical advice on staying at home, health & wellbeing, and work, benefits & housing.
NHS Apps – Various apps to help your health and wellbeing:
BACP – The British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) has a range of really helpful advice for the public from trained counsellors to help you manage stress, anxiety and uncertainty.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Government guidance
Good Thinking has produced a digital tool which signposts individuals to anxiety, stress, and mood-related resources.
Mayor of London mental health webpage:
Bipolar UK has provided a list of apps for varying mental health and stress-related needs.
Mindfulness Initiative has curated a list of free mindfulness resources.
Making the Most of Now – an online coaching support group led by Issy Harvey. Suddenly we have the time to let our creative selves flourish a little. Yet it’s easy to watch the days slipping past. Are you finding it difficult to focus your time on those things you would love to do more of? Join this supportive group to make the most of your ‘stay at home’ time. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.00 pm. To join in, simply download the free app Zoom to either your phone or your laptop/computer.
Zoom
Exercise and Movement
Move Me invites you to dance every day until the global Coronavirus shutdown is over.
Sport England have just launched a campaign #StayInWorkOut there are lots of resources on there, including exercises for older adults, disabled people and for people with health conditions.
Later Life Training is uploading 3 “bite-size” exercise sessions a day 0800, 1200 1600 (for 30 days) on their Facebook page. The videos can also be accessed on YouTube.
Central YMCA workouts: Zumba, Stretching, Strength Exercises and Seated exercises.
BBC Sounds 10 Today: physical activity for older people
Joe Wicks is hosting a free workout aimed at kids every weekday morning at 9 am or you can watch it after on YouTube.
Enjoy fun Banana Banana Meatball dance with your children:
Yoga with Adriene:
Free video exercise classes you can do from home:
Davina McCall’s Own Your Goals: Fitness programme with a free 14-day membership, includes different classes such as HIIT, boxing and dance.
Davina McCall’s
One You NHS home workout videos
NHS sitting exercises:
For people with movement impairment, the MS Gym could offer some good exercise examples.
Meditation
Audio files of relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress and gain a sense of well-being.
Experience better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety with Calm.
Meditate with Headspace app that guides you through the essentials of meditation and mindfulness.
Access 40,000 free guided meditations here:
Podcasts
The Power Hour: Podcast on dedicating just one hour each day to improving yourself and your life.
She’s Electric: Podcast taking you on a journey into the lives of some of today’s most powerful female leaders, sharing their motivation, their highs, their lows and their insatiable energy, hosted by wellness author Jody Shield.
Calmer You: Podcast with tips to help you live a calmer life with practical steps, encouragement and expert interviews.
Slow Home: Podcast looking at how to live a slower, simpler life including interviews with other people to find out how they’ve stepped back from the hectic pace of modern life.
Other
Reiki Healing: Marie and Cheryl will be offering free distance reiki healing for everyone fortnightly during this trying period. Next date, Monday evening on the 27 April 2020. Please email: earthangelskarunaki@yahoo.com, to book your spot. Don’t miss out!
Conscious Living Community Workshop – Bringing more awareness to our moment to moment experience can make all the difference as we navigate such turbulent times. This webinar-based weekly meet up is open to all to connect, ask questions or simply watch, led by coach Laurence Knott and contributions by fellow coaches and therapists. When and where: 8.00 pm on Mondays.
Regent’s Park Singers – join the Regent’s Park Singers, singing upbeat pop classics virtually.
CentrePoint Challenge Accepted – CentrePoint is releasing new challenges every Friday – you have a week to complete them!
CentrePoint
Creative Isolation – the March Network have put together a comprehensive list of creative activities that can be accessed online.