Are you feeling like you’re at your wits end? Can’t stop fantasizing about going out for steak? Can’t stop tasting your favourite coffee in your head? Can’t stop wondering when you’ll see the ducks at the park? Can you already feel yourself running out the door?

The current lockdown is making people anxious, depressed and generally stressed out. This is a strange time for many of us. But staying at home is non negotiable at this point. The best thing to do is to focus on how you can make the most of this time, and stay both physically and mentally healthy.

Interact with people 

The one thing that people need to understand is that you’re basically physically distancing yourself from people. We don’t know who decided to call it ‘social’ distancing, because you can still be social through digital tools. You’ve been glued to your phone for ages now, sending memes to everyone you know. Why stop now? Schedule video calls with people, make/join groups of activities you like doing. Don’t let the isolation get to you! The internet is your friend – use it.

Stay active 

Nothing will bring you down like a lack of physical activity. There are thousands of online classes you can take to keep yourself in shape. Can’t find a class you like? Make one of your own with your friends or colleagues! 

Learn to breathe

If you’re feeling anxious or can’t seem to focus then try quick breathing exercises to ground yourself. Dr Andy Knox recommends going the Royal Marines’ route. 

“To slow your breathing down I recommend Box Breathing, which is used by the Royal Marines. You start by breathing in slowly for 4, holding your breathe for 4, breathing out slowly for 4 and holding your breathe out for 4. Do this a few times and it begins to change the carbon dioxide levels in your blood and naturally brings your heart rate down, making you feel calmer,” he advised. 

Remember yourself 

Our lives are so fast that we’ve stopped doing a lot of the things that used to make us happy. Some people liked writing, others liked painting. All activities that we did in our company have been replaced by our fast paced lives. This is the time to get back to them.

If we all stick to the lockdown then it’s likely we’ll get over this quicker. So think of ways you can make this time better for yourself and then go ahead and do it. Nothing says you can’t use this time to make your life better.