5 Practical Tips to Surviving a Lockdown

Chances are you have been affected by the current situation affecting the world. Majority of the world is in a state of lockdown or at least some version of it. This article is not about the virus in any way, but more of a guide to help stay sane during the lockdown. I give you 5 practical tips to surviving a lockdown!

Disclaimer:This is in no way medical advice, purely practical activities to apply.

Now, before you discard this idea. I know this is simple in theory and it can get a little bit more complex when you throw in kids, working from home and marriage. We are creatures of habit and the moment our routine is disrupted, we feel a loss of control. Keep your working day hours, meal times and recreational time the same. There will be aspects that are different like having an additional video conference call for work. That being said you will gain daily travel time back such as the commute to and from work.

Think of it like building a puzzle. Do the frame first (daily routine outline) and then fill in the rest of the pieces (chores, kids and work). Suddenly, the overwhelming puzzle starts to looks more manageable with a little bit of structure. The same can be said for daily life in lockdown.

Benefit: Keeping your routine allows your internal body clock to stay on track. It allows you to replicate your normal structure of tasks and work life balance.

This seems like an obvious one, but as I said, we are creatures of habit and feel the need to be "scrolling, liking and commenting" throughout the day. Social media has an unlimited amount of conspiracy theories, false news and toxic people. Now I am by no means saying your friends or loved ones should be cut off.

The idea is that a meaningful text or phone call is better than a social media post with no context. Further to that, trust the medical professionals, not the "doomsday enthusiasts". Social media can be a positive tool for inspiration and information. It is up to you to decide the content and context you need.

Benefit: This keeps your mind clear and allows you to focus on what you want to. The essentials. You can choose the quality and quantity of external information you allow in.

Picking up from the prior social media guidance. The news itself would be your best source of accurate information from the outside world. I won't comment on which source of course, I leave that to you dear reader! There are experts in respective fields who are qualified to provide opinions on the current situations instead of your local conspiracy theorists.

That being said, too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. Plan your daily news hour into your routine (See Tip 1), pay attention in that hour and then go about your normal day.

Benefit: You will feel more in control as you are deciding when and how much information to allow in. You will be able to maintain your peace of mind, while staying informed.

Chances are, if you are reading this article, you may be guilty of the social media trap of too much scrolling since lockdown. This is perfectly understandable and it was before you read Tip 2! The danger here comes with everyone having different home/working situations and comparing yourself with others. Friends, family or complete strangers.

Some people suddenly are exercising every day, learning a new language or have Spring cleaned their entire home. This lockdown is not a competition for productivity, it's about getting through it. Stay focused on your own family, work and responsibilities. If you have the time and energy to learn a new skill, but all means, go for it. If this period has given you some time off, take it and recover.

Benefit: This speaks to earlier tips in that your main priority is your own family, work and mental state. Further, other people may be posting one aspect of their life on social media and not the rest of their struggles. You are in control.

I know, not exactly a revelation, until you try it that is. Journaling has been recommended for all types of situations and different people. Why? That is because anyone can do it, it is cost effective and helps to organise your thoughts on a page.

Now if you are not a fan of the classic desk and note pad style, think of journaling as a concept where you make it work for you. You can use your mobile phone and applications such as "Notes" which a majority of mobile devices will have built in. For a few minutes a day, journal your worries, concerns and what you are grateful for. Journaling is not for "positive" or "negative" thoughts, it is more a safe space to materialise any thoughts in a private way.

Benefit: Once your thoughts are articulated logically and have been expressed, your mind becomes clear. You may even feel more at ease knowing that your thoughts are not running free in your mind. This will free up space for the other aspects in your life that will bring positive energy.

There you have it dear readers. You may have noticed, each tip seems "Possible" and that is because it is! The last thing anyone needs in these stressful times, is a complex set of tips that would add to, instead of easing your worries. Try one at a time or two if you are feeling comfortable. It is important to just try of course.

On a final note, stay safe, stay sane and please comment any other tips you have been using during this time to help.