Struggling during lockdown?

You’re probably thinking this is another article pushing the importance of mental health and yea, you’re right, it is. Why? Mainly because we’re in a second national lockdown with only ‘essential’ businesses opened, but what does essential mean?

The government decided that gyms were not quite as essential or important as a coffee shop? Yea, I don’t know how either...

I manage anxiety. Gyms have been forced to close. Yet somehow in amongst all the pandemic craziness there has been little thought put toward mental health.

I rely on weight training to keep my life stable. So much so that I am a totally different person without it. As dramatic as this all sounds, it’s my truth. It’s a truth for so many people and this truth is being ignored.

So, if you’re reading this and can relate to my frustration and sadness. I want to share some coping mechanisms that have helped me.

Music: Stick those headphones in. Listen to some relaxing classical music (the kind that you fall asleep listening too!). This helps me sleep. It helps my mind unwind and prevents it from thinking too much.

Writing: have you ever tried writing those thoughts you have down? Probably not and that’s maybe the reason why they bug you soo much. Spend 30 minutes (or more) writing all that crap down (don’t read it back!) just write and close the book. This helps me come to terms with whatever is bothering me essentially helping me move on.

Singing: Wait, you can’t sing? So what! Sing your heart out. Loud. When you sing your body releases endorphins (happy hormone) and who doesn’t love feeling happy!

Bathe: Grab yourself some Epsom salts and a candle. Run a hot bath and relax. This not only relaxes the mind but is great for tackling muscle pain (and digestive annoyances) you’ll also sleep like a baby after this kind of bath.

Lavender: Spray (or drop) some lavender oil onto your pillow. This works unreal for after that Epsom salts bath.

And lastly...

Exercise: Although we’re in lockdown and gyms have been closed, this is so much more essential than our government wants to admit. Go a long walk (alone). Join the ‘sweatcoin’ app and set some step goals to keep you going.

No matter how tough you are, we ALL have mental health. Some of us are just better friends with our minds than others.

If this helps one person then it was worth writing.