Expert advice and top tips for mental health as we stay home

Every Mind Matters has released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing while you need to stay at home during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak has a severe impact on our daily lives and leaves many people distressed. With the most recent government reinforcements to help prevent the spread of the virus, by encouraging the public to stay at home, everyone must take care of their mental health while undergoing self-isolation. Paying close attention to your mental health and following the necessary advice and tips could help alleviate your symptoms.

Common Reactions

As information about the corona virus unfloods and response plans are implemented. There can be a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions. Please recognise that you may experience this over the next few days or weeks

• Anxiety, worry or panic

• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

• Feeling helpless or confused

• Anger

• Scepticism or bravado

• Social withdrawal

• Overexposure to media

• Hyper- vigilance to your health

• Feelings of loss or grief

• Excitement, relief, curiosity

It is advisable to take extra measures to ensure that you and your loved ones are in a  good state of mental health during these trying times.

Useful advice to balance your mental health while being at home

• Find out about your employment benefit rights - GOV.UK: Coronavirus support

• Plan practical things - Carers UK: Coronavirus 

• Connect with others - Watch: Social connection 

• Talk about your worries - NHS - recommended helplines 

• Look after your body - Try a 10-minute workout 

• Stay on top of difficult feelings - Watch: Reframing unhelpful thoughts 

• Do not stay glued to the news - GOV.UK: Coronavirus response 

• Carry on doing things you enjoy - Watch: Keep learning 

• Take time to relax - Watch: Mindful breathing 

• Create a daily routine - Being productive throughout the day gives you less time to dwell on worries

• Look after your sleep - Watch: Sleep tips 

• Keep your mind active - Listen to soothing music, read a book or simply bake. 

Ten practical tips to ease your anxiety about the coronavirus

1. Stick to the facts - NHS information on coronavirus 

2. Connect with people -  Maintain strong bonds with people that you trust, sharing how you feel might help ease your situation. 

3. Talk about your worries - Speak to someone if you need to vent about your concerns or worries. 

4. Support and help others -  Connect with friends and family through social or direct messages.

5. Make a plan - Plan and discuss the way forward to ensure you are prepared for the unknown as well as to put yourself at ease. 

6. Look after your body - Make sure to follow a healthy meal plan and exercise regularly. 

7. Stay on top of difficult feelings - Mental wellbeing audio guides 

8. Do things you enjoy - Find a new hobby or craft.

9. Focus on the present - Relaxation techniques could help you find peace and improve your mental state.

10. Look after your sleep - Tips to improve your sleep 

Remember: we are uniting together to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. Always reach out to a family member, friend and colleague during the pandemic. Find out ways that you can help someone.

Find additional emergency support lines.