Mental wellbeing while staying at home

Taking care of your mind as well as your body is really important if you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19). You may feel worried or anxious about your finances or job, your health or those close to you. Perhaps you feel bored, frustrated or lonely. It’s important to remember that it’s OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently.

Remember, for most of us, these feelings will pass. Staying at home may be difficult, but you’re helping to protect yourself and others by doing it.

There are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel if you’re staying at home. Make sure you get further support if you feel you need it.

1. Check your employment and benefits rights

You may be worried about work and money while you have to stay home – which can have a big effect on your mental health.

If you have not already, you might want to talk with your employer. Find out about government support for businesses and self-employed people and understand your sick pay and benefits rights.

2. Plan practical things

If you’re unable to get to the shops, work out how you can get any household supplies you need. You could try asking neighbours or family friends, or find a delivery service.

Continue accessing treatment and support for any existing physical or mental health problems where possible. Let services know you are staying at home, and discuss how to continue receiving support.

If you need regular medicine, you might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone, or online via a website or app. Contact your GP and ask if they offer this. You can also ask your pharmacy about getting your medicine delivered, or ask someone else to collect it for you.

If you support or care for others, either in your home or by visiting them regularly, think about who can help out while you are staying at home. Let your local authority (England, Scotland and Wales only) know if you provide care or support someone you do not live with. Carers UK has further advice on creating a contingency plan.

3. Stay connected to others

Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.

4. Talk about your worries

It’s normal to feel a bit worried or frustrated if you need to self-isolate. Remember: it’s OK to share your concerns with others you trust – opening up about the way you feel can really help.

If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.

5. Look after your body

Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse.

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking, drugs or drinking too much alcohol.

If you are staying at home, you could try exercising indoors, as there are lots of free online classes. Or try an easy 10-minute home workout.

6. Stay on top of difficult feelings

Concern about the COVID-19 outbreak and your health is normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can affect their day-to-day life.

Try to focus on the things you can control, such as how you act, who you speak to and where you get information from.

It’s fine to acknowledge that some things are outside of your control, but if constant thoughts about the situation are making you feel anxious or overwhelmed, try some ideas to help manage your anxiety.

7. Do not stay glued to the news

If you are staying at home, it might feel tempting to spend lot of time scrolling through social media and the news.

If this leads to difficult feelings, try to avoid paying attention to things that makes you feel worried or left out – focus on positive distractions instead.

8. Carry on doing things you enjoy

If you are self-isolating it may be easy to neglect the things you usually enjoy doing, but this can lead to feeling bored, frustrated or low.

Make an effort to focus on your favourite hobby if it’s something you can still do at home. Or give something new a go: read, write, do crosswords or jigsaws, bake, or try drawing and painting. Whatever it is, find something that works for you.

If you cannot think of anything you like doing, try learning something new at home. There are lots of free tutorials and courses online.