This three-minute read looks at ways to ensure you don’t go from suffering with lockdown lethargy to suffering from post-pandemic pressure.

Things are starting to open up again. It turns out the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an oncoming train. It could even be some weak UK sunshine.

Transitioning from lockdown to all your usual activities may feel like a shock to the system. Use these tips to help keep your mental health well during this new chapter.

Start the day right

If you’re waking up to a whole new schedule, the routine change can feel stressful. Try setting your alarm fifteen minutes earlier. Giving yourself just a few minutes before your day begins can help you find the inner strength you need. Try one or more of these suggestions in that space:

• Make your favourite drink. Try to focus your whole mind on the taste and experience of every sip.
• Follow a brief, guided meditation to focus, calm, or even motivate you. Try a free app like Insight Timer.
• Grab a notebook. Write down how you feel, your first three thoughts for the day. Also note any negative thoughts and how you could reframe them. Finally, note three things you’re grateful for.

Don’t forget about Joe

Maybe you didn’t try Joe Wicks’ pandemic fitness videos but you get the idea. Maybe you’re going back to an office job, or the kids have gone back to school so you’re not running around after them anymore. Find time to do some movement within your day. Some ideas could be:

• ‘Yoga With Adriene’ on YouTube. Choose a short video and see if you improve over time.
• Go for a ten-minute walk from your house. Turn around. Walk back. It doesn’t have to be intense, although you could choose to jog or run. Find a podcast and pop it on your smartphone for extra enjoyment.

Sleep hygiene

It’s not always possible to follow the suggestions for a great night’s sleep. Going to bed at the same time every night isn’t always practical. Choose a different tip to help you get the rest you so need, and deserve.

• Hot baths and milky drinks before bed aren’t just for tiny tots. They can help relax you too, so you drift off easily.
• Light a scented candle and turn off other lights. Watching the flame in a darkened room can be soothing.
• Try audiobooks for stories, or Insight Timer for sleep meditations. Other people like to listen to music. This can help stop your mind from churning and give you something else to focus on. You can get flat headphones or pillows with speakers in so you don’t disturb anyone else.

What are your favourite ways to keep calm and carry on? We’d love to hear from you. Email – [email protected]