LOCKDOWN VOL.2 AND JANUARY BLUES
OUR TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET THROUGH IT ALL!
For many people the past year has been quite a rollercoaster to say the least. We have all had some triumphs and some major losses but through it all our hope is to bring people together. We have gone through this together no matter the colour, religion, or background and hopefully we are getting closer to the end.
In this article instead of informing you of how many people are lonely, how many people did not get to see their families or any other depressing anxiety inducing information we are going to provide you with some tips to help you combat the lockdown blues.
- Write down or work out your priorities for the day. Say no to anything that is not manageable. You know, its okay to say no!
- How would you treat your best friend in your situation? Well today let us take some time out and do the same for yourself! You really do deserve it!
- Be kind to yourself. The best question you can ask yourself in times of need is “what is the kindest thing I can do for myself?” Sometimes the smallest tasks are the hardest, but you will feel better after doing them for example, getting out of bed, making the bed, going for a walk, exercise or even making a nice healthy meal.
- You may or may not have heard of the show “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. In one of the first episodes, she makes a survival quote which is no more relevant than now “I learned a long time ago that a person can stand just about anything for 10 seconds, then you just start on a new 10 seconds. All you’ve got to do is take it 10 seconds at a time.” Just remember that like with all things this will pass too. You can read some more comedic yet motivating quotes from Kimmy here.
- Make a feel-good playlist. Sing at the top of your lungs whether that is in the shower or whilst boiling some pasta and whilst you are at it, give your booty a little shake too!
- Rediscover activities that once made you smile, read a book, draw, or paint something, try some creative writing or a new recipe. Whatever the case try, something new to make your day different.
- It is okay to not be okay. Reach out and talk to someone, whether that’s family, friends or even a helpline.
- Get moving. Do not set unrealistic weight loss targets that you have seen on social media. Instead, us humans need sunlight, and, in the UK, we get very little of it. Take that opportunity on a less gloomy day to get outside and get some fresh air. Even if you only make it to the bottom of the street, do not beat yourself up it is an achievement for that day!
- Make time to escape reality. We do not mean going on an alcohol or drug induced hallucination but switch off the six o’clock news, you do not need to watch that every day. Find TV shows, films, podcasts, and books that transport you to another world and let your mind rest.
- How about sending someone a hug for the feel-good factor? Send a loved one – who may also be in isolation – a Hug in a Bag.
At the start of January, we launched our Hug in a Bag Campaign for family and friends to send their loved ones a smile. Our care pack contains a notebook and pen set to write down you are to dos or your thoughts, a travel mug to take a hot drink with you on a chilly walk, a tote bag for your shopping trips and a little discount voucher to return a hug and send your loved one a little gift to say thanks!
Take a look at what some of our huggers had to say below.
