There’s no denying that lockdown has been tough; however many people have also enjoyed some of the benefits a more basic lifestyle has offered. Working from home, learning a new skill, eating homecooked meals or hopping on a bicycle are just some of our new-found loves. Author and psychotherapist, Mark Newey, believes lockdown has been the ‘reset button nobody dared press’! He’s keen for the nation to move forward and make mental wellbeing a lockdown legacy.
Here are his top tips to ensure your best lockdown habits don’t become a distant memory.
SLOWING THINGS DOWN
Before lockdown, we lived life like it was a constant sprint! To get into sprint or stress mode, our body is filled with adrenalin, cortisol and noradrenaline to fire us up. When we have dealt with whatever the pressure is, we slow down and get back into balance. But, if we’re in constant sprint mode our mind and body are constantly stressed. We have to learn to take things easy and pace ourselves!
A DAILY ROUTINE
Routines help us to create an easy, calmer and more comfortable reality. Many of us have intuitively become aware of the need to create new order; what might not be so obvious is to take these new routines with us as we come out of lockdown. If you’ve enjoyed cooking, meditation or mindfulness during lockdown, make time in your schedule to continue this activity.
EXERCISE
Exercise has always been vital for the human condition to thrive. Exercising outdoors is best as it’ll ensure your daily fix of Vitamin D, which is vital for a good night’s sleep. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals are the body’s feel good hormones and play an important part in regulating your mood.
