5 Tips To Beat The Lockdown Blues

Written by: Jodie Konstantin , Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

It's normal during the uncertain times of lockdown to feel upset, anxious, and angry especially when you feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Being stuck in lockdown can drain your energy and take a toll on the mindset of even the most positive of people.

Mental health is top of mind these days. If not yourself I feel it's safe to say someone you know is struggling with their mental health in the current times.

So what can we do to grab the bull by the horns so we are not just getting by but thriving to make the most of our time?

1. Focus on what you can control – switching our focus on what we can control gives us back our power. Bringing it back to our bubble... Start with you!!!

when you fly on a plane the flight attendant instructs you to "put your mask on first" before helping others because if you run out of oxygen yourself you can't help anyone else. The one thing we can control is ourselves by becoming more aware of our needs, feelings, and emotions. Make a list of things that you can do to smile and find joy when the lockdown blues come to town.

2. Take breaks from the news and technology – while it can be good to keep up to date with current affairs constantly feeling fear and overwhelm can not only add to our mental health but also our immune system. Stress, anxiety, fear, depression are just some emotions people feel when consuming too much negative information. Giving yourself a break from the news, having a social media detox or switching up TV time to jump on YouTube and watching some funny videos, learning a new skill or grab the fam for a funny flick to switch the flip and lighten the mood.

3. Journalling is a great tool for clearing the mind. There is a certain power behind getting your thoughts on paper. Journalling could be writing a diary,self-reflection, gratitude diary becoming aware of all the positives we have in our life can give us a real sense of happiness.

Journalling is also great for our brain as most of us are typing away on our phones or computers and the most writing we do is a to-do list or our signature. Journalling engages several areas of our brain making it both like exercise for our brain and great for our mental health it's a win-win.

4. Exercise – It stimulates chemicals that improve your mood. We know exercise is great for our bodies but it has so many other benefits like boosting mood, improved sleep, reduce anxiety, depression and great for stress relief.

No matter what your age or fitness level you can use exercise to improve your mindset. Get the kids involved, get out in nature and get the blood flowing you will thank yourself for it later.

5. Know yourself – I can write a long list of ways to improve your mindset, improve your mental health, depression, anxiety during these times but ultimately it's about you and what you need. Self-awareness is extremely important and maybe we even have to be grateful for covid as it has forced us to all slow down it can be scary to be left in our own heads but most of us have lost ourselves for years in the rat race of life not knowing our deepest fears and desires now we are being forced to face them.

Write a list of the things that make you happy and bring you joy...

• Put on some music sing, dance, play

• Put your feet up and read

• Have a bath

• Learn to mediate

• Try an online class

• Do yoga

• Study something online

• Art

• Do all the things you wanted to do when you use to say "I wish I had more time to xyz"

Most importantly remember it's okay not to be okay, reach out to loved ones and ask for help when you need it and offer it to others you are not alone and you do not need to suffer in silence.

Connect as much as possible as Lionel Riche sings "Here we stand. Trying not to fall, There's no need to worry love will conquer all".

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Jodie Konstantin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Jodie Konstantin, is a heart-centered certified life coach and Holistic counsellor. After her journey from homelessness, illness, and heartbreak she has dedicated her life to helping others transform to live the lives they desire.

Jodie is the CEO and founder of Total Wellness Journey to Empower people to find balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Jodie is an Empathic coach, Entrepreneur, Blogger and Home-school mum on a mission to help people find their own power and passion for a free and happy life.