Sending Lockdown Love To Those Who Need It
By: Alex Harmon
With almost half the country in lockdown and a bunch of our upcoming program locations running virtually, we’ll admit we’ve got a case of the lockdown blues too. Here are some of our top tips to help you (and us) get through it…
It’s okay not to feel okay. We’ll be the first to admit it, the situation kinda sucks and you shouldn’t feel bad to say it. Try to focus on things that you can control, rather than dwelling on the restrictions that we have no control over. Let the emotions have their moment and then let them wash over you like a wave. Remind yourself that this is all temporary.
Get some fresh air in your day. Go for a walk around the block and let the sunlight and fresh air work its magic. If you can, take in some green or blue spaces. According to science, simply looking at trees or bodies of water can boost your wellbeing. Cheaper than a Kombucha too.
Send someone good vibes. If you know someone doing it tough right now, send them a text and shout out something positive about them. We guarantee it will make their day, and make you feel good too.
Meditate: Feeling overwhelmed, stressed and concerned about the future? We suggest taking some time out to meditate. Trust us, it’s not a waste of your time. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that just 15 minutes of meditation can reduce stress and anxiety.
Keep connected: We might be kept away from friends and loved ones but we can still connect on a virtual level. If the thought of doing another Zoom call is doing your head in, just pick up the phone and give someone a buzz - the more random the better. Social connectedness is great for our mental health and can give us a sense of purpose. This is particularly helpful if another day of lockdown is feeling like groundhog day.
Self-care: We don’t mean running yourself a bubble bath, self-care is about putting yourself first and asking yourself what you need. This could mean setting boundaries, saying no to others or reaching out for help. If it also means running a bubble bath, then go for it - vanilla citrus is our go-to.
For more support and advice call Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636. For crisis support call : Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Image: Simon Hodge