During the various lockdowns, we’ve all faced challenges to our individual mental health. In this ‘unprecedented’ time, our entire daily schedules have changed, and we’ve all experienced some degree of isolation. Not being able to see friends or family, or indeed working from home and so not seeing colleagues, all has an impact on our mental health. This has been felt especially keenly by older residents who live alone and weren’t able to have visitors as much as usual. We’ve compiled some handy advice and resources to help you in looking after your mental health during this challenging time, and in general!
Be kind to yourself
During the first lockdown we all saw dismissive social media campaigns – writing about how previous generations have survived the blitz, rationing and wartime, when all we have to do now is sit at home. Campaigns like this invalidated individual feelings. Of course we aren’t in a war time, and of course our situation is far more comfortable…but that doesn’t change the fact that this is an unusual time, and one where our freedoms have been severely restricted in the name of a greater cause.
Many of us don’t have any memory of a time where we’ve had such limitations on our comings and goings. Now that we are coming out the other side of multiple lockdowns, people are getting ‘social fatigue’ and are finding tasks and events, that would have been enjoyable in 2019, hard going. Be kind to yourself and recognise that you’ve gone through something big, unusual and (sorry again – buzz word of the year) ‘unprecedented’! The mind takes time to adjust, and to some extent we’ve all been in survival mode for a long time. With news and headlines frightening us all, it’s understandable that we aren’t feeling in top form. Take it easy and instill boundaries where you need them.
Keep busy
During traumatic times it’s tempting to sit back and try to ‘relax’ your way through it. Whereas this can absolutely work wonders for short periods, now we are a year and a half into the Covid crisis, it’s important to keep your mind happy and distracted.
Find a good balance between relaxation and productivity. Take time out for a bubble bath, a film or a beautiful walk, but also try to focus your energy and mind on hobbies, crafts and activities. We have some suggestions for at home activities that many of our customers enjoy. If you fancy it, why not take an online course, get a language learning CD or read a book on a new craft! Learning is the best way to keep the mind stimulated, busy and happy.
Meditate
When you take time for yourself, why not follow some meditation exercises. Meditation is becoming more and more popular as a way to relax and centre your mind, as well as alleviate stress. Invest in a good mediation book or CD, or download the Headspace or Calm apps. Try to allocate a set amount of time every day to meditate, follow the course or pick a new guided experience.
Treat it like exercise or physio for your mind. Exercise is best delivered little and often to keep your muscles strong and happy. It’s the same principal for your mind.
Exercise
Exercise is helpful for the mind and body. Keeping active releases endorphins, which make you happy! So, it’s best to try and exercise a little bit every day to keep your muscles and mind strong.
Exercise could be anything from swimming to going for a walk, from chairobics to physiotherapy. Whatever you enjoy and feel you can do, make sure you include some of your preferred exercise regularly. If you have limited mobility, we’ve made a handy list of activities for you. Looking after your body often has more importance placed on it than your mind, but looking after your mental health is crucial for a happy life. Combine forces – exercise will help with both!
We hope you found our top tips for maintaining good mental health useful. Take a look at the nhs website’s advice and assistance for older adults’ mental health for more information.
