According to Cigna UK HealthCare Benefits, only 27% of people are getting sufficient sleep at night, 30% are a healthy weight and only 30% exercise on a regular basis. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that there’s been so much conversation about how this lockdown has felt particularly harder than others. It’s understandable - and it is okay.
The first lockdown was, of course, the first of its kind where we had the pleasure of the weather, motivation to clear out the messy cupboard, and a drive to take on a new hobby or ten. By the second lockdown, there was a sense of common ground as well as Christmas on the horizon. And now we’re at the third lockdown, we don’t have the weather on our side or a festive event.
But we have much more than we think.
We have even more people being vaccinated, bringing us even closer to ‘normality’. The days are getting much brighter. Signs of Spring will start to appear, buds on trees, daffodils on the grounds and birds singing their songs even louder. We have the excitement of doing all the things we love with even more appreciation. And of course, there’s an excuse to eat pancakes this month.
But what else can we do to make lockdown 3.0 a bit easier?
Give yourself a break
Covid-19 has impacted each and every one of our lives in some way. It’s okay if you feel down, angry and irritable without even really knowing why sometimes. The least you can do is give yourself a break, you deserve it.
Notice the positives
If you aren’t feeling your best, the phrase ‘be positive’ can be an annoyance in itself. Instead, ask yourself and your loved ones to ‘name three positive things that happened today’. There’s no pressure on how small or large these things are, the point is that they happened and they can keep happening.
Write a post-covid bucket list
Make a list of all the things you’re going to do and budget for them accordingly. Try to stop obsessing over what you’re missing out on and start thinking about how much better they’re going to feel after some time apart.
Get dressed up
Most of us have lived in our loungewear or pyjamas for the duration of the pandemic, which makes sense as the most comfortable items in our wardrobe. But it’s always a good idea to set even just one day of the week where you get a little more dressed up than usual. If you feel good about yourself, you’ll gain plenty of mood-boosting effects.
End the day with something happy
Everyone loves a good crime drama but it’s not the best idea before bed. Make it your evening ritual to watch, listen or talk about something that makes you laugh or smile right before you head to bed. This will help you to go to bed happy and hopefully wake up with that same feeling.
Get in touch
Click the below button to take our online assessment to help you understand more about your health needs, prioritise them and find the right support for you.
Take the Online Assessment TODAY
Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about any of our services, or would like assistance taking the assessment online please contact us on 0300 303 9988 or email provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net to talk to one of our friendly team members.