With the news we all heard last night, we all know what we're heading for. For me personally, I found it really hard to begin with the first time round and would say it definitely effected me mentally for the first three/four months, because it was such a massive change; especially with shielding the elderly that my husband, brother in law and I have been doing to present day. 

So I would say we're in a comfortable routine now and we're okay (I still have my moments), but unlike us, many other people went back to work and went back to some sort of 'normal'; but this is all about to change again.

I want to help you all as much as I can because I've pretty much been in the same position since March. This can be very challenging for some people but I've got some tips for you to help you with your mental health because it did me the world of good.

The first few days will be fine, you'll be thinking of it as a Sunday at home you know just chill out and do some house work, watch movies or whatever; but after a few days it really does take it's toll. So to begin with, I would say get yourself into a routine and KEEP YOURSELF BUSY!

Get up, take a shower, get ready, have breakfast and if you're able to work from home, then great it will keep you busy most of the day. But do take regular breaks, eat away from your desk and get some fresh air from the garden or take a walk at lunch around your area just to stretch your legs. Trust me you'll feel better and more motivated to work.

If you're not able to work from home, still start your day and get ready. Then think about what you want to do. Here is a list of activities you can do whether you live alone, with a partner, with children, other family/friends;

• Fitness - go for a run/watch you tube videos for home work outs
• Try yoga/meditation
• Make some good home cooked food
• Do an online bakeoff (I did this with my sisters and it was awesome!)
• Write that book you always wanted to do or start that blog you wanted to write
• DIY/decorate the house
• Play games with people in your household
• Call your friends and family more often 
• Go for a long walk and get some fresh air in your lungs
• Practice your skills in your field of work
• Take an online course/educate yourself
• Listen to a podcast
• Do some painting
• Binge on Netflix/Amazon Prime
• Have a virtual party with your family on friends (through Zoom/Skype/Facetime, etc)
• Find yourself a hobby
• Do some arts and crafts work
• Read a book/write a journal
• Start a business
• Create a spa experience at home (face masks/long baths/candles - treat yourself!)

Theres so many things you can do but most importantly don't forget we're all in this together. So check up on your loved ones and talk to them as often as possible. You may feel lonely but by speaking to them daily it can really help, especially if you see them on video calls - and that I can't stress enough! Anxiety and stress builds up and will cause panic/anxiety attacks so it's best to let it out than keep it in. Talk to someone and tell them how you feel, they'll listen and you'll feel better, or can even give you guidance on what to do. 

Taking care of your mental health is so so sooooooooooo important for your well being, so please speak and reach out to someone you trust if you're feeling that way and try to keep your time occupied by doing something with your day. You'll be surprised how fast time flies that you'll even forget that we're in the middle of a pandemic!

And because we are in a pandemic don't forget to stay safe! Wear a mask (and gloves if necessary) wash your hands regularly for twenty seconds and keep your two meter distance from other people that are not in your household.

Finally if anyone feels like they don't have anyone to talk to, just drop me a message on the contact page. I'm a great listener and I will be here for you and I mean that sincerely; because you're not alone and I've been there and know exactly what it's like. 

I hope you all enjoyed reading this article, please leave a comment below and subscribe for the latest news and updates!

Thanks

Priya