Living with an anxiety disorder, I have become accustomed to overwhelming feelings of stress, but nothing prepared me for how I would feel during the national lockdowns, which are becoming the new normal… I coped better than I thought I would during the first lockdown, almost a year ago now, and the second lockdown was a lot shorter and seemed less strict, but this third one is really taking it out of me. I am feeling anxious and on edge most days, despite being on medication for my mental health conditions and being in therapy. I quite often feel trapped, like I need to escape from everything, which can be scary and frustrating when you are being told to stay home. I have listed some of the things that I have been doing to find comfort and unwind when the stress gets on top of me during lockdown. I hope it helps somebody.
Get Outside
I know, I know, this seems to completely contradict what I just said, but you are allowed outside for exercise, under current rules, which means that getting outside and getting a walk in nature is ok, and it is so important for your mental health, whether you feel like getting out there or not. Just having some fresh air and a bit of sunshine (if there is any) can do the world of good and, if you feel a bit trapped indoors like I do, it helps with that mentality of escaping the house for a little while. Although you are meant to only exercise once a day, you can walk for miles, so get outside and go for a long walk if you need it, and prioritise your mental health and wellbeing.
Switch Off
I cannot stress enough how important it is to switch off from the digital world every now and again. It is something I am awful at doing, as I find comfort from my anxiety in being able to scroll on my phone, but it can also be very damaging for your mental health, and can increase stress levels, especially at the moment when many people are discussing the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, it can feel like there is no escape from the negative news whilst online. Switch off, take a long hot bath, read a good book or do some colouring, anything which doesn’t require the use of your phone, and your mind will thank you for it.
Look to the Future
It can be so hard at the moment, to see a life without Covid affecting everything, but it is just around the corner and it can be nice to think ahead to what you are going to do after the pandemic is over, once things begin to return to normal. I know that the biggest thing for me will be seeing my extended family, especially my brothers and sisters, who are not local and I haven’t seen for a long time. Like everybody, we have missed some big milestone birthdays over the past year including Ed’s 40th and my brother’s 30th, so I am hopeful we can have a big celebration at some point to make up for lost time. I am also dreaming of being able to travel again. We were fortunate, having not booked lots of trips for last year, but we were due to go back to Santorini last May, and I am looking forward to a time when we can safely do that again, plus lots of UK dog friendly travel, now that we have Bella.
Rest
There seems to be shame, in today’s society, to stop and relax, to do nothing. Everything is so fast paced, even during the pandemic, that it is important to slow down and just take some time out for yourself every now and again. I have been trying to give myself some early nights and allowing myself to nap during the weekend, if my body is asking for it, and it is really helpful with reducing stress levels. If you feel like you can’t cope, strip everything right back and just do that essentials, giving yourself time to recover and recharge.
It is a really strange time, with lots to be concerned about. Try and be kind to yourself and take the time out that your body and mind needs. You cannot pour from an empty cup, there is no shame in needing to slow down and switch off for a little while.
