At the moment, everyone seems to be cooped up at home because of government restrictions to combat the Corona Virus. This is a difficult time, especially for those with mental health issues, so I've written a list of things to help make the days more tolerable for the coming months.
Rest is important, of course, but we should make time in the day to do things that will keep our brains sharp and benefit us long-term.
For example, if you're starting Sixth Form/College or going to university in autumn, you could read around your subject/s and get a head start (this is especially useful for anyone studying literature and the humanities, but is equally important for STEM subjects). Try a MOOC (massive open online course) - most universities offer them for free!
If you're doing a gap year, plan ahead and try to find some work experience in a field that interests you, so that you have something in the calendar in advance for when quarantine ends.
Hobbies are also a great use of your time - I know many of my friends are doing things in isolation that they've always wanted to do but have never had time for e.g. learning a language, enhancing their art skills or finally getting round to starting their reading list. As well as killing time, hobbies allow you to learn a lifelong skill, so give it a go!
Learning a language:
Learning an instrument:
There are plenty of YouTube channels dedicated to teaching languages and instruments, e.g. Exeter Deaf Academy have videos on basic BSL (British Sign Language).
There has also been a rise in demand for adult colouring books recently, as a mindfulness technique, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, which is especially useful if you are experiencing 'isolation anxiety'.
Natural light is vital for us as human beings, so if you have a garden or a balcony, I'd recommend you make the most of it. Sitting outside when it's sunny and reading for a bit instantly improves my mood, and helps me sleep better at night, as well as boosting Vitamin D levels.
The government has said that everyone is allowed one hour of exercise daily, so use it! Go for a walk or a run, clear your head, and allow yourself some time away from screens. Technology can be suffocating, especially as we are using it more than ever to stay connected to one another.
When you're stuck at home, the hours can blend into days, and days into weeks, and it can all seem like a blur. Don't allow yourself to become dysfunctional - planning when you're going to wake up, and what you're going to do each day, gives your life more structure and stops you from being lazy and staying in bed all day (although that might be preferable).
My quarantine timetable:
9:00 Wake up, shower, breakfast
10:00 Read
11:00 Sociology revision
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Free
2:00 Sociology revision
3:00 Piano practice
3:30 Read
4:00 Free
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Free
10:00 Bed
I haven't actually committed to this yet, as I'm allowing myself some time to relax after hearing that 2 years of hard work and stress will amount to nothing...
1. Keep a regular sleep schedule
We're all guilty of staying up late watching Netflix and then sleeping in until midday - but this is obviously not good for our sleep cycle. Studies have shown that keeping regular times to go to sleep and wake up is important for both mental and physical health, combatting fatigue and other sleep-related disorders.
I find that oversleeping is just as bad for me as not getting enough sleep, as I feel half-awake all day and have no energy to do the things I need to do. But, recently I've kept a strict timetable, where I will go to sleep before midnight and wake up by 10. This has massively improved my mood and energy levels, so I recommend it to anyone who is struggling with tiredness.
In addition, make sure you're not looking at a screen before bed: the blue light will keep you up at night. You could try installing a blue-light filter on your phone to reduce the harshness of the light, but this isn't an excuse for being on your phone! Wind-down by reading a book or listening to calming, ambient music before you go to sleep.
I find that oversleeping is just as bad for me as not getting enough sleep, as I feel half-awake all day and have no energy to do the things I need to do. But, recently I've kept a strict timetable, where I will go to sleep before midnight and wake up by 10. This has massively improved my mood and energy levels, so I recommend it to anyone who is struggling with tiredness.
In addition, make sure you're not looking at a screen before bed: the blue light will keep you up at night. You could try installing a blue-light filter on your phone to reduce the harshness of the light, but this isn't an excuse for being on your phone! Wind-down by reading a book or listening to calming, ambient music before you go to sleep.
2. Be productive, and get a hobby!
Rest is important, of course, but we should make time in the day to do things that will keep our brains sharp and benefit us long-term.
For example, if you're starting Sixth Form/College or going to university in autumn, you could read around your subject/s and get a head start (this is especially useful for anyone studying literature and the humanities, but is equally important for STEM subjects). Try a MOOC (massive open online course) - most universities offer them for free!
If you're doing a gap year, plan ahead and try to find some work experience in a field that interests you, so that you have something in the calendar in advance for when quarantine ends.
Hobbies are also a great use of your time - I know many of my friends are doing things in isolation that they've always wanted to do but have never had time for e.g. learning a language, enhancing their art skills or finally getting round to starting their reading list. As well as killing time, hobbies allow you to learn a lifelong skill, so give it a go!
Learning a language:
- Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com
- Babbel: https://uk.babbel.com
Learning an instrument:
- Flowkey (piano): https://www.flowkey.com/en
There are plenty of YouTube channels dedicated to teaching languages and instruments, e.g. Exeter Deaf Academy have videos on basic BSL (British Sign Language).
There has also been a rise in demand for adult colouring books recently, as a mindfulness technique, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, which is especially useful if you are experiencing 'isolation anxiety'.
3. Get sunlight if you can
Natural light is vital for us as human beings, so if you have a garden or a balcony, I'd recommend you make the most of it. Sitting outside when it's sunny and reading for a bit instantly improves my mood, and helps me sleep better at night, as well as boosting Vitamin D levels.
The government has said that everyone is allowed one hour of exercise daily, so use it! Go for a walk or a run, clear your head, and allow yourself some time away from screens. Technology can be suffocating, especially as we are using it more than ever to stay connected to one another.
4. Plan your days
When you're stuck at home, the hours can blend into days, and days into weeks, and it can all seem like a blur. Don't allow yourself to become dysfunctional - planning when you're going to wake up, and what you're going to do each day, gives your life more structure and stops you from being lazy and staying in bed all day (although that might be preferable).
My quarantine timetable:
9:00 Wake up, shower, breakfast
10:00 Read
11:00 Sociology revision
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Free
2:00 Sociology revision
3:00 Piano practice
3:30 Read
4:00 Free
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Free
10:00 Bed
I haven't actually committed to this yet, as I'm allowing myself some time to relax after hearing that 2 years of hard work and stress will amount to nothing...
5. If you're struggling...
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk
Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
SANE: https://www.sane.org.uk
Kooth: https://www.kooth.com
~~~
I hope this short blog has given you ideas on how you can stay sane in isolation. Remember to keep in touch with friends; talking is the best therapy. And, please, stay inside, because the sooner we adhere to the rules, the sooner this period of isolation will be over.
Stay safe,
- R
Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
SANE: https://www.sane.org.uk
Kooth: https://www.kooth.com
~~~
I hope this short blog has given you ideas on how you can stay sane in isolation. Remember to keep in touch with friends; talking is the best therapy. And, please, stay inside, because the sooner we adhere to the rules, the sooner this period of isolation will be over.
Stay safe,
- R
hope ur doing well...
ReplyDeleteI am, thank you! Hope you're alright too 👍
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