This is a trying time for all of us.
No one really knows the full impact that this virus is likely to cause (though we can look to China for some ideas). In the meantime, for those of us who are stuck at home, I have come up with this little guide on how to weather the storm.
As a mother of two, I’ve found the more mental health preparation I do the evening before, the better I manage the following day.
While school is out, we’re adhering to our usual routine, so once the kids are asleep I begin to unwind from the day just passed. My first step is to either take a shower, or if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll have a bath, light some candles and relax, away from my mobile phone and the endless spiral of news stories, articles and opinion pieces about this disgusting virus.
I then do a 10 – 30 minute meditation, depending on how I feel. I typically use Headspace and they have just introduced an amazing collection of meditations designed to support us during this crisis, which, as far as I’ve understood, are completely free of charge.
I highly recommend doing some of these meditations; some of them are just one minute long and you’ll be surprised at how impactful just a short meditation can be! I can’t recommend meditation enough!
Following this, I then read for a bit before switching off my mobile phone and fullying absorbing myself in a TV show or movie for the next hour or so.
Before going to bed, I write in my journal and this is something I have strictly adhered to for about a year now! I make a habit of writing only the positive things that have happened that day, and this is honestly the best thing to do just before I close my eyes.
While all of this might seem fairly dull and straightforward to some, these are my essential tools for supporting and maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding any sort of mental health spiral – particularly in the midst of a crisis!
HQ Content writer 