It’s a really difficult time for most of us. Working, living and playing only at home is so different to the way we usually go about our daily lives and we’re all dealing with the stress of uncertainty. More than ever we need to look after ourselves and our mental wellbeing – and that of our whanau and friends. 

The Mental Health Foundation has some great ideas to support mental wellbeing, take a look here… or read on for some of our favourite ideas based on these! 

1. Give yourself routine:

Try and make the things you do day-to-day as routine as they would usually be. Get up, eat and go to bed at regular times. PJs are comfy but getting dressed (into something equally comfy if you’d like) is better for your mental wellbeing… and make some regular times to call or video chat with friends, family or colleagues.

2. Keep connected:

While we need to be physically distant right now, it’s really important to stay connected. Talking with loved ones can help with stress – and now is the time to make the most of all the ways technology can help. Explore the options for video calling (if you have children, see if any of their school friends are available to chat with them). Take your book club, coffee group or regular Friday night catch-up online via social media or video. Reach out to neighbours. Or pick up a landline and do it the old-fashioned way.

3. Give compliments, kindness and help (if you can): 

Being kind feels good. If you can help others or you have a skill to share (online with people outside your home) do it! Great cooks could share recipes, expert organisers could help set up a neighbourhood phone tree, or Facebook group. Parents who have fun ideas for keeping children entertained could share these (we like The Sapling for cool, NZ kids’ book recommendations and Michelle Dickinson’s awesome Nano Girl website). 

4. Stay active

Mental wellbeing is closely connected to physical wellbeing, so if you can, keep active. Go for a walk (remember to keep two metres from anyone you don’t already live with), jump on your bicycle or see if you can find an exercise video that suits you online. If you live with children, take them walking too and make it interesting by challenging them to find three interesting things along the way (or see if you can spot the teddy bears people have been putting in their windows!)

The Mental Health Foundation’s tips also emphasise that if you’re on medication, keep taking it and if you’re currently getting help with your mental health, keep doing this via video or phone if possible.