Tips on maintaining your well-being

Exercising, meditation, fun, learning something new…. To make this easy for you, we have complied a list below:

1. Staying connected with friends and family
   This is first on the list for a reason. The World Health Organization’s biggest recommendation for people in isolation is to stay connected to others to avoid feelings of isolation. This can be done by phone calls, video calls, social media or emailing. Try to make a point of connecting several times a day via any of these methods. It is sure to boost your mood and keep things in perspective. Maybe there are friends or family members which you have been meaning to catch up with for a while. Here is your chance! If you don’t have video-calling installed, try downloading either Skype, FaceTime or WhatsApp. If you know someone who is not set up to be connected online, try to find a way to help.
2. Meditation
   Science shows that meditation reduces stress levels, controls anxiety and promotes emotional health. If you feel yourself becoming anxious or stressed about the virus or anything else, try a short meditation session to ‘press the re-set button’. If you have never tried this before then search for ‘beginners meditation’ on YouTube or another common resource would be headspace where you can do a basic course of ten minutes, every day for 10 days, for free.
3. Yoga
   This is another activity proven help mental health and well-being. Here is one example of free online yoga videos but there are of course many more available.
4. Exercise
   Although getting motivated to exercise might be a little difficult, I bet we all agree that even after a very short workout we feel pretty great. This is due to the endorphins produced while we exercise which produce positive feelings in the body. Whilst in self-isolation, try to do a short workout a couple of times a day. Maybe you just do your own short routine but if you want ideas or instructions, try one of these 10 minute workouts, a 7-minute instruction video or find one dedicated to seniors such as this one.
5. Dance to your favorite song!
   This may seems silly but this is definitely one of my favorites. If I am feeling down, this is my go-to option 😊 Dance is great for stress reduction, disease prevention, and mood management. Consider closing the curtains if you don’t want your neighbors to see, put on some music and dance around your living room!
6. Puzzles
   Dig out your puzzles hiding in your attic. It is a good way to pass time and apart from improving memory and problem-solving skills, puzzles have also been proven to reduce stress levels.
7. Reading
   This is quite an obvious one as it is well known for relaxation and enjoyment. Maybe you have a stash of books and it is time to re-read them. Otherwise, consider free books online. For those people you know with sight problems, audiobooks are a great option.
8. Gardening
   At least in some parts of the world, Covid-19 has come in Springtime which is one of the best times of year for gardening. If you haven’t already got what you need, try ordering seeds etc. online and plant some herbs, veggies or flowers in your garden or on your balcony.
9. Learn a language
   Always fancied learning a foreign language? This is the perfect time to do so.  There are many online possibilities and here is just one option. You can also try to connect with an online tandem partner who speaks the language you want to learn, via a website such as this one. This ticks two boxes as it helps you stay connected (point 1 on this list).
10. Sort out cupboards
    Sounds boring, but it is therapeutic and once done I’m sure you will be smiling when you open your newly ordered cupboards!
11. Catch up on housework and cleaning
    Again, therapeutic and you can enjoy the benefits.
12. Bake
    Try cakes, cookies, bread and enjoy the eating part!
13. Try a new recipe
    Search for new recipes online. If you have stockpiled too much of something, search for a recipe specifically to use that ingredient. You might end up with a new favorite dish.
14. Take a walk
    Getting out of the house and in the fresh air is very important to boost mood. Make sure of course to avoid other people by trying to walk in more remote areas such as in the forest.
15. Watching television/movies
    Keep informed on important information regarding the virus but do not overdo it. If you enjoy television, catch up on your favorite soaps, documentaries or watch a movie.
16. Crafts/sewing/knitting
    Search for ideas online and try something new.
17. Pamper yourself
    Not necessarily everyone’s cup-of-tea, but for those who enjoy this, give yourself a self-manicure/pedicure or do a face mask.
18. Play charades
    An old classic! If you do not live with anyone then you can do this with friends or family via video call.
19. Make a scrap book
    Do you have vacation photos or family photos tucked away in envelopes. Use them to create a scrapbook and make sure to write down memories around them. It will be a wonderful thing to look back on, or to share with friends or family.
20. Join an online book club
    Such as this one.
21. Join an online social group
    Search online for social groups or forums on topics or hobbies you are interested in.

 

Reference:

¹Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Tost, H. (2012).  Neural mechanisms of social risk for psychiatric disorders. Nature Neuroscience. 15:663-668.