Looking after your mental health while self-isolating in Ceredigion
With people needing to self isolate across Ceredigion and beyond, it has raised many concerns about loneliness. It is so important to look after your mental health. We have put together some advice on how to avoid feeling alone.
Social distancing and self-isolation will be a challenge for many people. From history to the modern day we’ve lived in groups – in villages, communities and family units. In times like this, It is essential we support one another and show compassion to those who need it. You are not alone.
Stay Connected
If you have access to it, use technology to stay in touch. If you have a smartphone, computer with built in camera, use the video capabilities.
Seeing someone's face can make a huge difference on a call. There are lots of free video calling services you can use, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime etc. You can connect to Wifi if you are worried about data allowance. You and your loved ones will really appreciate seeing you, even if you are in your pyjamas!
Check in with your friends and family. You can even assist people in your life who may be more vulnerable, by doing something for them not only helps them but can also increase your sense of purpose and value.
What about the people in your household? Use this time to spend the time connecting with the people you are living with. If you are in a lockdown situation, use this time to improve your existing relationships.
Online Community
There are a range of positive online communities especially on Facebook. It is called social media for you to be social! Get inspired, chat about things you care about and search for groups that you are interested or passionate about.
If you are worried about the coronavirus in Aberystwyth there is a support group available here.
There are also websites that collated some great local experts from around Aberystwyth to help your Health & Wellbeing and a list of local Facebook groups to enable you to stay in touch with your community. https://weloveaberystwyth.co.uk/
Detoxing from Social Media
Social media is great in some ways but it can also have the opposite effect, have a social detox and find more valuable ways to spend your time, this will help your mind too. If you are worried that social media may be affecting your mental health please look at this blog for help and advice. Have you ever thought about how social media could be affecting your mental health? Try unfollowing or muting accounts that make you feel anxious, upset or angry. Follow cute dogs, funny videos, and all things that make you happy for a cleaner, happier newsfeed!
Mindfulness & Staying Calm
There are lots of free apps that you can use to guide you through breathing techniques and meditation to help ease your anxiety and clear your mind. Our favourites are CALM and HEADSPACE.
You can also find several videos on YouTube with mood boosting techniques, gentle exercise and breathing techniques, even yoga.
Take a Break from the News
With everything that is going on, it is going to be tempted to constantly check the news, it is important to keep updated but how much is too much? You may notice that the constant negativity on the news may have a negative impact on your mental health. Try limiting how often you check the news.
Keep Busy!
With being isolated, your normal routine will be massively disrupted. It can be really easy to get embedded on the sofa on a Netflix binge, but this could also be ground for loneliness. Try get a different routine going, structure your days. Be sure to keep your mind and body active, also aim to do one thing a day whether that be dive into a new book, learn a new skill, cook something from scratch, clean the whole house etc. This way you will feel like you have achieved something and your days will give you purpose. With the weather getting warmer, get busy in your garden. The sun will instantly make you happy and give you a natural source of Vitamin D.
Reading a book can help you escape for a bit, It might be difficult to get a new book, but you can access a lot of books online here.
Take some time to write down how you want to spend your day. Make a plan and stick to it gaining some order and normality.
Online games you can play with friends
Board games can be a great way to spend time with friends or family while giving you something to focus on. You can play a lot of these games online too, like Monopoly or Chess, or via apps like Words With Friends. Online gaming does have its advantages, take a look at this blog how it helped Will's mental health.
We are here for you
We all have times when we just want to be alone, any of us can feel lonely regardless whether your home is filled with people or whether you are living on your own. Your routine has been disrupted, things have changed and you are facing days of keeping away to protect your self and others. With life slightly being in the dark at the moment, it is essential that we all come together and stop anyone feeling alone. If you are anyone you know is suffering in Ceredigion, reach out and we will do our best to support you.
You can reach us 24 hours a day on Facebook or Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm on email - info@alexanders-online.co.uk - 01970 636 000.
Take care and stay safe, the team at Alexanders.