Never before have we been told to stay at home and only venture out to purchase essential items and to exercise once a day. Dr Zoe Poole has summarised research to help us get through these challenging times.

Time to adapt

Research shows it can take a number of days to adapt to a new unusual situation, so give yourself and others time.

Confidence to cope with your feelings

Remind yourself it is understandable and natural to have strong feelings (sadness, anxiety, stress, boredom, frustration) in the context of COVID-19.

Allow these feelings to come and go using helpful thoughts like ‘I accept my feelings and they will pass’.

Keeping a journal of your feelings can help you to process them.

Being together and apart

Acknowledge it can be difficult to be continually in close proximity to each other or continually separated from each other.

When living with others, establish ground rules including an opportunity to have time alone.

If you are feeling lonely, spend time together ‘virtually’. Plan a time that fits each others’ routines and focus on conversations that feel helpful for each other, for example, having a limit on time spent talking about COVID-19.

Structure with variety

Our minds and bodies feel better with both routine and variety.

Meet your basic needs; health, regular sleep pattern (going to sleep and getting up around the same time each day makes it easier to sleep), regular meals and exercise.

The key activities to plan into your day include those that give you a balance of purpose, pleasure and connection. Recognise this is individual to each of us.

Manage anxiety

Focus on what is in your control and use your/others problem-solving skills to resolve.

If you are able to notice any positive aspects of the situation, this can help you to manage.

Be willing to accept what is not in your control. Mindfulness can help you achieve this.

If this article has struck a chord and you would like someone to speak to, please do give us a call. An initial telephone conversation is free. Call us on 07412 674550 or send us a message.