Take care of your mental health during lockdown

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.