Being something of a homebody, staying sane during the lockdown was – to start with – never going to be a problem. However, just like everyone else, I am now at the point where isolation is taking its toll.
I’m going to give you some tips based on what I have been doing to stay sane during the lockdown.
At the end, I will ask you to add your tips. If we work together we can compile the best collection of tips for sanity ever.
1. Stay clear of the news
Most, if not all, of the COVID-19 related news contains little new information. There is a shortage of PPE still, it is not over yet, the politicians are covering their own backsides like they always do. There is little to gain from dwelling too much on this.
At some point you simply need to share whatever the most compelling story of the day is; then tell yourself, “I have done my bit”. After that, move on to something more uplifting.
I was brought up in a Christian household. So, here is a Bible quote that – believer and atheist alike – is some pretty good wisdom.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
Bible, NET, Philippians 4:8
2. Write something
Writing is one of the most therapeutic activities I know of. Storytelling, for example, can be a good way to safely explore a difficult or triggering topic in a safe and fun way. Writing an honest reflection is just as helpful.
While writing about a painful topic can feel upsetting at the time, most people find that it was valuable and meaningful after. Studies indicate that writing in this way – about what you are feeling – can leave you happier and healthier. What they don’t say is how much fun you can have been truly sarcastic about a person or group which has offended or annoyed you. Trust me, it is satisfying in the extreme.
The best way to get into writing therapy is to write for, say, fifteen minutes about a topic that has been troubling you (or has been in your thoughts a lot). Do not worry about things like your spelling, perfect grammar or even sentence structure. Just keep writing. Whatever comes to mind, write it down. Tell the page your thoughts and feelings. The only rule here is this: Once you begin writing, you must continue until the time is up.
Give it a go some time and let me know how you got on.
3. Cuddle your cat (or dog)
I am lucky to have a rather affectionate cat. The moment she sees me sitting there not doing much (or trying to write because cats). She will be right there demanding a fuss. And when I say demanding, I do mean demanding. Molly will be like, “right, drop everything to hold me like a baby and give me strokes”.
I have had a lot of kitty cuddles these last few weeks. If you have a pet, now is a great opportunity to spend time with them. Or, if you have a cat, make yourself available (because, once more, cats).
Spending time with you pets can be good for both you and your pet. Most animals suitable as pets are social animals. Cat’s are a special exception.
Social animals love to play and interact with each other – and you. Not only that, playing with your pet reduces stress levels for both you and your animal.
4. Allow yourself to have fun
Normally, I avoid games like City Skylines because I enjoy them too much. During the lockdown, I found that allowing myself time to just play and have fun made me feel so much better. Rather than pushing myself to be maximally productive, I took time out to spend an afternoon enlarging my city and building a ring road arround the city.
The strange thing is, I’ve been more productive. I think that relaxing and taking time out for play recharges the old get-up-and-go. I highly recommend it.
While sim games might not be your preferred distraction, allow yourself time to play. Play in whatever way you wish. After all, sooner or later we will be back to the daily grind. This is your time to have some fun.
5. Video chat with friends and family
An absolute lifesaver has been video and phone chats with friends and family. The fact is, we humans are social creatures – yes even us introverts. We crave contact; even if it is in small doses and on our own terms.
So, Skype, facetime, Facebook call, phone, IM, or whatever you need to do. Just stay in touch with the people that you care about. The chances are that they are just as lonely as you are.
Maybe more so.
My dad, for example, is on his own. We talk most days. Not about anything in particular; just to hear each other’s voices. Obviously, we have our favourite topics – things we both love (like Star Trek) – but it is the human interaction that matters.
Stay in touch with people. That’s what phones were invented for.
6. Have a brew
For me, there is nothing better than a good hot cup of tea. (Typical Brit). Those people that know me, know I have an entire cupboard dedicated only to tea. I have boxes and packets of all sorts of tea from the mild to the strong. Not to mention, green teas, herbal teas, fruit teas, spiced teas, etc..
If, for any strange reason, you do not want a cup of brown joy, indulge in something you do like. Hot chocolate, for example.
Treating yourself to a little of something that you enjoy activates the reward centres of your brain. This releases the chemical signals that make you feel happy (and reduce stress). Which means you can file that cup of hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles as “medicinal” insofar as it is helpful to positive mental health.
Over to you
Now it is your turn.
- What tips can you share about staying sane during this lockdown?
- Have you started a new hobby?
- Which activities have you rediscovered?
- Have you found an activity that has brought unexpected joy?
- Are you coping with lockdown in a novel way?
- In fact, are you just coping at all?
Share you sanity tips, thoughts, and reflections on this lockdown in the comments. I would love to read what you have to say.
