The NHS recommends the best ways to help yourself stay well are to:
- stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media
- try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
- do light exercise at home, or outside once a day.
You should also aim to eat well and stay hydrated as this is also incredibly important for your wellbeing. It will also help your immune system stay strong and support your defences against any illness.
Sleep
Make sure you try and keep good sleep patterns. Here are some useful tips for establishing a sleep routine and falling asleep more easily.
Keeping active
It is important to keep doing regular physical activity as this will have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing. If you cannot get out, the weather is bad, or you don’t have much time, here are some suggestions of exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home:
- Click here for some simple ten-minute cardio and strengthening home-workouts from Public Health England.
- Do a dance class with Oti Mabuse. You can view these from her YouTube Channel .
- Have fun with Disney! Change4Life have lots of Disney-inspired indoor games and activities.
Go Outside!
It is important to get as much sunlight, fresh air and nature as you can. You could try the following:
- Plan a daily walk
- Eat your lunch outside
- Spend time with the windows open to let in fresh air.
- If you are working or studying at home arrange a comfortable space to sit, for example by a window where you can look out over a view of trees or the sky, or watch birds and other animals.
- Listen to natural sounds, like recordings or apps that play birdsong, ocean waves or rainfall. Get as much natural light as you can.
- If you have access to green space like a garden, you could bring some natural materials in to decorate your living space, or use them in art projects. This could include leaves, flowers, feathers, tree bark or seeds.
Get creative!
There are lots of different ways that you can use your creative side and this can also help you relax. These include:
- Arts and crafts, such as drawing, painting, collage, sewing, craft kits or upcycling
- Colouring
- Playing musical instruments, singing or listening to music
- Writing
- Yoga, meditation or mindfulness activities (see our page on relaxation and stress management for more info on this)
