Ten tips to help you look after your mental health during lockdown, from a Harborough health expert

The coronavirus crisis is starting to have a real impact on people’s mental health in Harborough, a top health expert has warned.

Chris Stankiewicz, 30, has spoken as fears grow that the re-extended Covid-19 lockdown is beginning to wear people down across the district.

Based in Market Harborough, Chris told the Harborough Mail: “Speaking to our clients and people around the town it’s fast becoming apparent that this ongoing situation is very testing for our mental health.

“We are increasingly hearing terms like ‘socially isolate’ and ‘socially distance’.

“These are not terms that are associated with good mental health and increased levels of stress and anxiety.”

Chris, who operates The Injury Clinic in King’s Head Place, Harborough, has now drawn up 10 savvy tips to help people of all ages navigate and survive the explosive lockdown minefield in one piece.

“This advice is about identifying practical ways of looking after your mental well-being and minimising stress and anxiety during this very challenging time,” said the sports therapist.

“These strategies may also be helpful for your friends and family so please feel free to share.”

1 The first place to start when looking to manage your stress levels is ensuring you are only sourcing your information from reputable sources. Here in the UK these would include the government website and the NHS website. Social media posts and even some of our best news outlets have a tendency to sensationalise the information we are seeing.

2 Do you really need to keep checking your phone every half an hour to find out which event has been cancelled, which supermarket has ran out of milk or which celebrity has self-isolated today!? This can be seen as addictive behaviour and is not good for your mental health.

3 Stay connected with family and friends, whether via the phone or online just for general social contact. And look to make plans for the future rather than dwelling too much on the current crisis.

4 Support and help each other. If you yourself need help then ask for it, even if it’s just social support. And if you can offer help to anyone then again offer it - even if it’s just a phone call or an offer to do some shopping for someone.

5 There’s no doubt this is a stressful time and many of our clients have admitted becoming exhausted. While there are many things we cannot control, what many of us are experiencing is a standard stress response. So stress management strategies need to be increased and with facility closures we may need to actively look for alternative stress management strategies. We recommend some great meditation apps that are easily available such as headspace and calm. There are also some great free resources on YouTube.

6 It’s also crucial to focus on lifestyle factors that will help you manage your stress, anxiety and mental health over the coming weeks. Making sure you get adequate sleep (see our top sleep strategies here), eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, particularly outside in the fresh air and countryside if you can. Even ‘borrow’ or offer to walk a neighbour’s dog if you can!

7 You are likely to suffer increased stress and it is advisable to cut your workload and allow more time for leisure and relaxation.

8 Your regular routine and habits have almost certainly been hit – particularly if you go to a gym. One of the most effective proven strategies used by those who have gone through a tough time is routine. So it’s critical you find a new routine in this uncertain period. Pick up a pen and work out a new regime that includes looking after yourself, planning to do things that you enjoy, making contact with others and looking out for other people. Also focus on doing something practical for your business or work, even if it’s just planning for the future.

9 Remember the closing of sports fixtures, cinemas, schools, pubs, restaurants and shops, etc, are preventative measures. Change your perspective, this is a positive thing that’s preventing the spread of the coronavirus. So try to change the way you see things and how you respond to the new reality. Search for positive news stories like the 107-year-old grandmother who beat the coronavirus, far less pollution and the recovering waters and returning wildlife around Venice.

10 Most vitally if you or loved ones are struggling with the mental impact of this virus don’t hesitate to contact professionals such as your GP or organisations like www.samaritans.org , www.giveusashout.org, www.mind.org.uk“We all have to stay safe and look after each other but do also remember to take care of yourself, physically and mentally,” insisted Chris.

“Tough times don’t last but tough people do.”