When things are feeling tough, it's really important to take time to care for ourselves too! At the moment there may be many things that are worrying you with so much change going on to our normal routines.
Here are some simple ideas to help you manage stress and build your resilience...
If you have any ideas you'd like to share, please email us!
We are constantly updating this section, so do please keep checking for the latest ideas to support you!
Breathing & 'grounding' exercises can really help to calm things down when you're feeling overwhelmed! Download our 'Calm Breathing Guide' or try the simple 'grounding' techniques (ways to restore calm by bringing you back into the present moment) included in this section. Click below to read more!
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood - if you can't get out then create a home based exercise regime - dance along to your favourite song or work out to your favourite exercise video.
Poetry, lyrics and more to inspire, motivate and soothe... from Mark Arthur, Caleb Femi, Mark Nepo and more
Music is a great way to energise, release and relax. Try these ideas... put together your own playlists to suit your mood; compose your own rap, lyrics or melodies; play an instrument? rock it out with a guitar or let off steam on the drums; join a virtual choir or group ...or log in to the latest virtual 'at home' concerts.
There are many ways to deal with anxiety and feelings of uncertainty - check out the following link.
Create your own calming, 'kindness kit' full of things to help you if you're feeling low; a picture of your mates; a tempting treat; something comforting to hold; pamper products; creative materials; emergency list of friends to call; positive message cards or reminders of your favourite breathing or grounding technique... really make it your own!
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of worrying news? Take back control and limit the time you spend on the news channels or social media feeds; try to stick to trusted news sources, avoiding rumours that may cause unnecessary worry. Manage your social media and switch to positive news channels.
You may have to be at home right now, but there are plenty of ways to 'get out' there and explore the world from your own couch - from Whatsapp friendship groups, and live DJ streams to online visits to museums, zoos and national landmarks.
Reach out to friends and family. When we're feeling low it can be natural to want to withdraw but talking to someone - a friend, colleague, a helpline can really make a difference.
How do you like to express yourself? Do you rap, compose, sing, dance, paint, draw, design, sculpt, sew, knit, bake - the list is endless - start thinking about the ways you can express your feelings and fill your time in positive ways.
Acts of kindness and reaching out to others in need not only helps them but can also make you feel good too. Whether giving or receiving it, kindness really can make a difference.
If you're having to stay at home, try and build yourself a daily routine.... it may be different to your norm but it can really help.
When worrying about things we can't really control, it's sometimes helpful to express it in ways that we CAN control - for instance, try acknowledging the feeling by writing it down in a diary or journal; or vent the feelings in physical exercise; distract yourself with activities such as baking, tidying, composing or painting. Then set it aside...
Dealing with change often can be difficult yet if we can look at things from a different perspective, it can really help us to adapt and transform.
While coping with quarantine and social distancing - perhaps its time to finish off that project or try out a new skill or idea!. You might want to learn a new language, write a book or short story, master new technology, learn to play an instrument, take up knitting, composing or calligraphy; try new exercises, create an online book club or fine tune your Origami skills! Be as creative as you like - it's a great distraction!
Time with pets can be really calming and comforting - they're great company, good listeners (who don't talk back) and a great distraction. From dogs and cats to pet lizards and hamsters and Insta's famous Lionel the hedgehog - they really can be a great boost to your wellbeing!
It's important to show yourself some TLC - sticking to a healthy diet, exercise and self care routines that promote relaxation and wellbeing.
When we're all suddenly at home together for long periods of time, it can be difficult to adjust. Finding that quiet space or private time may be difficult but can really be rewarding - if there's no separate space you can head to, it may even be as simple as putting your headphones in and closing your eyes, losing yourself in the music.
Terms & Conditions - the information provided here is for your convenience and information; it is not intended to replace advice from trained, medical professionals. Please see our full terms & conditions here.
