We know that we will be in lockdown for a time yet and being restricted to home 24/7 will not come easy to many millions of people.
It helps to have a positive mindset, remembering that this situation will not go on forever, and be mindful that home is the safest place we can all be for the moment.
For those in isolation on their own, you’re certainly not on your own – we are all in this together!
Having a healthy mind and body is crucial right now and will make living in lockdown more bearable. Here are three ways to keep them both strong:
Complete a daily to-do list and make time to talk
To stop you getting lazy whilst you’re at home, give yourself a few daily tasks each day and try and complete them all before bedtime. It could be anything from fixing a leaky tap to varnishing a tired, old fence. Learning a new language would be a task to keep you stimulated throughout the whole of lockdown.
The satisfaction you get when completing such tasks or from at least making some sort of progress, will give you a lift.
Plenty of talking, including lots of laughing, will also help. Take up the role of quizmaster for the night and host a virtual quiz with friends.
Use your outdoor space as much as you can
It’s essential that our bodies are exposed to natural sunlight and to get lots of fresh air into your lungs.
Make sure that you take the one form of outdoor exercise you’re allowed to do each day and use your garden at every opportunity you get.
Long may the nice weather continue so that you can top up your tan, have all your meals outdoors and sink some ice-cold drinks on the patio or decking. Have the kids outside with you so that they’re not stuck on their mobiles and tablets indoors. That mix of sunshine and fresh air will aid your sleep too.
Become a baker
We get warned off eating too much cake because it can expand our waistlines, but what we don’t get told is that baking cakes is actually really good for relieving stress.
Find out who is the ‘Star Baker’ in your house and have a cook-off in the kitchen, with everyone having a go at creating the best showstopper.
Raid your kitchen cupboards for mixing bowls, whisks, rolling pins, chopping boards, blenders etc. and bake a banana bread or chocolate cake. See who’s a Mary Berry in the making and who’s left with a soggy bottom.
Your time at home could also be spent planning home improvements for when the restrictions get lifted. ERG Scotland is operating a FREE Online Appointment Service to assist you with that.
