Finding positivity in lockdown

Here we go again. 2021 has gotten off to a start that’s eerily familiar to all of us. After a significant stretch of (semi) freedom, the Isle of Man has found itself in Lockdown 2.0, and while the UK may sneer at our woes that pale in comparison to what’s happening on the mainland, this second lockdown has undoubtedly had a negative effect on the island’s collective mental health.

Trying to maintain some semblance of ‘normal life’ during periods of crisis is crucial, as more often than not, it’s the uncertainty of the situation that has detrimental effects, more so than the situation itself.

The below tips are designed to offer practical advice and to foster some sense of social cohesion: remember, there’s good to be had during these strange and isolating times.

1.     Stick to a routine

Developing a routine that works for you and your family is essential for mental clarity. While this doesn’t need to be an in-depth minute-by-minute plan of your entire day, it’s a good idea to stick to some core timings.

Even though you may not need to get up to get the kids ready for school or to get to work for 9am, setting an alarm is a great way to maintain your body clock and start the day as you mean to go on. It also ensures that mealtimes remain structured and that you’re eating at similar times to those pre-lockdown: waking up late means you’ll be eating out of sync, and means you’re more likely to overeat at moments that you usually wouldn’t.

2.     Get into the correct headspace

Being in a positive headspace means you’re more likely to make better choices throughout the day, be that with regards to the food that you eat or the exercise you do. Waking up and committing to a workout gets the day off to a flying start and is likely to influence healthier decisions later in the day.

And when I say workout, it doesn’t need to be a full-blown hour of yoga at sunrise. Setting yourself even the smallest of goals (say 20 sit-ups as soon as you wake up) increases the probability that you’ll be in the mindset to eat a healthier breakfast, which in turn means you’ll eat a healthier lunch. Our morning mindset has been proven to influence our decisions later in the day: we’ve all woken up and dreaded going to work at some point, and similarly this made the day even more unbearable. Flip the narrative: wake up with positivity and let it radiate through your day.

 3.     Get out

A common complaint of lockdown is the feeling of boredom and cabin fever, with very little interaction outside of the four walls we call home. Making sure we utilise our socially-distanced hour of exercise is crucial to clearing that mental fug.

Not only does the great outdoors have numerous positive benefits to our mental health, it also provides a much needed change of scenery and gives us something to look forward to. If heading out with the people from your household, it also provides an opportunity to connect with each other away from the distractions of computer games or television box sets. 

4.     Check in

For some of us, it’s been almost a year since we’ve physically seen some of the people who matter the most to us. Keeping in touch with friends and family is so important, especially during challenging times.

Why not catch up with an old friend or cheer up a loved one who might be on their own during the lockdown? If you usually have lunch with a grandparent on a Sunday afternoon then continue to do so virtually. While technology used to be a daunting unknown for some of our older relatives, many are now familiar with the likes of FaceTime or WhatsApp, having learned the ropes during the first lockdown.

5.     Health and fitness

No Mission blog would be complete without me urging you to look after your physical and mental health!

I don’t need to explain the benefits of following a healthy diet, but cooking and baking can be an activity for the whole family that can kill some time in an otherwise mundane day. Not only will it keep younger children entertained, but it provides them with skills for later life and establishes healthier attitudes towards food and their relationship with food.

The same can be said for exercise. Whether it’s grabbing 20 minutes to yourself first thing in the morning for some yoga or meditation, or a brisk walk with the entire family in the afternoon, physical exercise not only helps to keep your heart healthy, but also does wonders for the mind.

There’s no doubt that any lockdown can be a challenging time, and it can be difficult not to see past the difficulties, hardships, or problems caused by the pandemic.

But by changing some simple elements of the day that are within your control can have huge positive effects. Try to focus on yourself a little and spend time with your immediate lockdown squad. Check in with someone to see each they’re coping and how you can help each other come through the other side. You might learn something new about yourself.