Take care of your mental health during lockdown
The lockdown that has been imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak has made us think about how important it is to take care of your mental health whilst either in isolation, or just unable to socialise and interact with others in person for a long period of time. Here are some useful tips for the elderly for taking care of your mental health during these periods which can be relevant and applied now, or during future periods of isolation.
Exercise
Exercise is incredibly important for the physical and mental wellbeing of the elderly as our friends at Birchwood Care Services discuss in more detail and it becomes even more important at a time like this when so many people are struggling with their mental health during the lockdown.
If you are able to, go for a walk outside – every day if you can or perhaps an exercise DVD in your own home. You could even take this a step further by completing an online class – something like Yoga can be great for body and mind! If you’re stuck then Joe Wicks has some excellent workout classes for seniors.
Eat well
Health and nutrition as we know is an important part of life here at Birchwood House and it becomes even more important during periods of isolation as good nutrition can have such an impact on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
Stay connected
Keeping in contact with the outside world is another really important way of ensuring mental health and wellbeing during lockdown. None of us would have predicted 12 months ago quite how popular and widely used Zoom and Facetime would be now, but they are excellent ways to stay connected to the outside world.
Whether it’s a games night with friends, or a Facetime call with the grandchildren, make sure you’re taking advantage of the available technology and staying as connected as you can to friends and family.
Take up a new hobby
You may well have already done this but there are a multitude of hobbies you could take up and carry out in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few ideas:
- Learn a new language – This may not be as easy to pick up as when you were younger, but is a fantastic skill and will keep your mind sharp!
- Take up knitting – Knitting is a great hobby that can be done in the comfort of your own home. And if you get really good then you could have all of your grandchildren’s Christmas presents sorted!
- Trace your family tree – This can be a time consuming task but could also be of great interest and you never know who you may track down…
- Gardening – Not only does this get you fresh air and exercise, but you will have a fabulous looking garden when lockdown is over!
Get fresh air
Fresh air is another key component to good mental health. As our friends at Birchwood Care Services explain, fresh air promotes happiness. Happiness in turn leads to positive mental health for an individual.
It may not always be easy to get fresh air if you are avoiding contact with the outside world, but if you have a garden or balcony, try to use these and take advantage of them, or if you have neither of these then perhaps sit by an open window and read a book. However you do it, some form of fresh air will aide your mood and subsequently your mental health.
We hope this is a useful guide not only for now but if you or a friend or relative find yourself having to isolate at some point in the future.
Other articles you may like
- Gluten free chocolate cakes
Gluten free chocolate cakes There’s nothing better than chocolate for a sweet treat, and these gluten free chocolate cakesContinue reading “Gluten free chocolate cakes” - How can we manage stress to promote wellbeing?
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, and we all have certain triggers. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a missed flight, or a new social situation, stress is a natural part of life. But as we get older, these stress triggers can change. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, becomes a more prominent source of stress, especially as this is something out of our control. On top of that, there’s the possible move into a care home, which can be a hard transition to navigate. At Birchwood House, we want to recognise the impact stress can have on our wellbeing, whilst using gentle, effective ways to reduce anxiety. So, what are some of the ways we manage stress to promote wellbeing? - National Hot Tea Month: why do we like tea so much?
January is National Hot Tea Month, and there is nothing better than a good cup of tea. It’s one of life’s small pleasures, and it’s a daily routine for many, including for us at Birchwood House! Tea is also rooted in long-standing tradition and cultural significance. Legend says that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung all the way back in 2732 BC, when leaves from a wild tree accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea came to Europe in the early 1600s, and we’ve been drinking it ever since. To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, here are some of our favourite reasons why we drink it! - Vegetarian Suet Roulade
New year, new recipes! This month, Chef John aced his homemade vegetarian suet roulade. This is the perfect hearty winter meal, with roasted veg packed with soft suet pastry. We’ve paired this with mash, braised cabbage and vegetarian gravy, but it also goes great with a cheese sauce. - Christmas crafts
Merry Christmas! This month is filled with festive fun for our residents, which means all sorts of Christmas crafts to get involved with. And these activities are suitable for anyone; crafting is a great way to boost mood, stimulate our brains, and make memories with those around us. We’re sharing a run-down of how we’ve been making the most of this holiday season – use it as inspiration and show us anything you make! - Clementine Panna Cotta
Clementine Panna Cotta This dessert has been going down a treat with our residents! Inspired by taste buds, thisContinue reading “Clementine Panna Cotta” - Gentle exercises for older adults
When we get older, finding ways to move our body can get harder. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Using low-impact, gentle exercise is a great way to stay active without putting too much strain on ourselves. Regular movement is important for a number of reasons, not to mention the physical and mental health benefits. A recent report by Care England even showed that regular physical activity is improving the health, confidence, and wellbeing of residents in care homes, and could even deliver savings of up to £96 million to the NHS. - Mediterranean Roasted Chicken Breasts
This is a dish packed with flavour and spice. The chicken is filled with amino acids to support muscle growth and brain function, whilst the vegetables are rich in fibre and antioxidants. Both warming and filling, we’ve taken inspiration from The Cafe Sucre Farine to make this healthy, easy dinner. - How did our residents celebrate National Baking Week?
Happy National Baking Week! From Monday (October 13th) to Sunday (October 19th), we’re celebrating the joy and benefits of baking. Because, as you may have already seen on our Facebook, baking is a firm favourite at Birchwood House. Whether it’s sweet treats or savoury goods, we make sure baking is a regular activity. There are always recipes to try, techniques to learn, and opportunities to discover something new.
