The COVID-19 outbreak has brought about a period of change and uncertainty that most of us have never experienced before. It’s always important to look after your mental health and wellbeing, but it’s even more crucial now. Check out our tips and strategies which are designed to help you manage your mental health throughout the current situation.
Don’t panic
This is a challenging time for the world at the moment, and many of us are understandably concerned for our loved ones and society in general. Restrictions on the way we work and live can also create stress. It is important at times of anxiety to remember what is within our control and to focus on these things, rather than becoming worried about the things that we have no control over. An easy way to do this is asking yourself ‘is this a current worry that I can do something about now?’ It can help to express your worries by writing them down in a notebook or journal, which you can then put aside and let go. Then draw your attention onto the things you can do something about; capture these and try to keep your focus on them.
Keep a routine
Staying at home, whether you are working or studying, can mean we have some extra time in bed. While it is important to have good and restful sleep, it’s also important to keep to a routine. This doesn’t only help you to complete the tasks you need to do, such as study, work or housekeeping, but also gives a sense of structure, which can better help us to cope. Take some time to set out your routine and think about how you’ll spend time by yourself at home. For example, plan activities to do on different days, or habits you want to start or keep up. Be sure to build in times to rest and relax too.
Set yourself goals
See this time as an opportunity to complete a task you have been putting off for some time, or as a time to finally start a new hobby, or learn something new. Why not share your progress with friends and family, or on social media? We’d love to hear your progress – tag our University social media accounts with your stories: Twitter – @UniOfExeter Instagram – @UniOfExeter Facebook – University of Exeter.
Be creative
It can be easy to spend a lot of time using electronic devices or watching tv, but absorbing yourself in a creative task can often be more rewarding for your mental health. You don’t need to have lots of equipment – pick up a book (or find some online), do some writing, draw a picture, or sing a few songs! Again, you might want to share your creativity with others.
Connect with others
We are fortunate in today’s society to have many options available to connect with each other. Make use of video calls and phone calls (either individually or within groups). Many celebrities are delivering group activities such as cook-alongs and fitness routines via social media and this is something you could also arrange between your friends and family.
Maintain activity and fitness
Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. It can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress or anger, and make you feel more relaxed. At present in the UK, the government states that you can leave the house once a day to walk, run or cycle alone, or with members of your household. If you can do this safely (remember you must maintain social distancing and keep 2 metres apart from others at all times) then it can help your mental health to enjoy some activity and fresh air. If you prefer to keep fit indoors, there are also a number of options for home workouts available online – or you might even make use of that old fitness DVD you have lying around!
Maintain a level of self-care and hygiene
It’s important to be comfortable when at home, however it can be easy to let our routines around day-to-day hygiene go out of the window when we’re not leaving the house. Even if you’re staying in your pyjamas, have a different set for the daytime!
Keep your home comfortable
Try your best to keep on top of household chores. Being surrounded by mess or dirty plates has a negative impact on our mental health in the longer term. Why not build your chores into your daily routine and then when they’re completed you can relax?
Be kind to yourself
These are exceptional times and you’re bound to go through a range of emotions. Try to accept that and treat yourself with compassion and kindness.
Remember: Wellbeing Services are available
Our Wellbeing teams are still available to support you during these uncertain and challenging times. We can offer remote appointments via telephone or online, and will do whatever we can to help you through this unusual period.
If you are a student usually based on our Exeter campuses, you can email wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk to request support or call Wellbeing Services on +44 (0) 1392 724381 and leave a voicemail.
You can reach our AccessAbility team at accessability@exeter.ac.uk or by leaving a voicemail at +44 (0) 1392 723880.
If you are a student usually based on our Cornwall campuses you can contact Living Support as follows:
- Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm: +44 (0) 1326 255341 or livingsupport@fxplus.ac.uk
- Evenings and weekends: +44 (0) 1326 253503
Further University information:
Information and advice from the University on the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/coronavirus/