Keeping up your mental health
While many of us are practising social distancing and cocooning, it’s important to look after both our physical and mental health while at home.
Some things that can help keep you busy, and help preserve your mental well being while staying home are –
Staying connected
In this day and age it has never been easier to keep in contact with friends and family. If you are feeling lonely or stressed or simply just want a chat over a cup of tea all you have to do is pick up the phone or send a text. We are also here to talk if you need support or advice surrounding treatment or coronavirus related worry. You can contact us here.
Keeping active
Staying on top of your physical health is just as important as your mental health and going for a walk if possible, do doing 30 minutes of excersis in your home is great way to stay fit while helping to boost your mood.
Make a plan
Try your best to stick to your daily routine as much as possible. If you’re working from home, wake up at the same time each day, have your breakfast and get ready for the day. If you start your morning by feeding the dog or putting the washing on, do this each day and create an at home schedule that you can follow. This routine will help you to organise your day and take out some of the uncertainty of staying home.
Looking after your sleep
While it might not seem like the most important thing, your sleep plays a huge part in your mental health and wellbeing. Making sure you are keeping a consistent sleep schedule and are getting enough sleep each night is very important and will affect how you live daily. If you are struggling with sleep, try taking some time out before bed to read or meditate, practising some breathing exercises or play around with your room to make the decor as restful as possible.
Taking time to do the things you enjoy
When we are stressed or worried, it can be easy to let the things we enjoy fall by the wayside. Take a half an hour each day for yourself to relax and let yourself unwind. Whether that be reading a book, watching your favourite TV show or learning a new skill like baking or another language, taking time for yourself is an important and necessary step in making sure you stay mentally healthy. Many people find meditation helpful, especially during periods of high stress and uncertainty. Meditation instructor Orlaith O’Sullivan has kindly created a playlist of the Foundation to help those on a cancer journey relax and unwind during this stressful time. These sessions can be found in the resource section of this page.
A mental health and wellbeing campaign has been launched to help those struggling while staying home, work through their anxieties and fears during this difficult time. More information about the #Together campaign including tips on coping while at home and looking after your mental health can be found here.
Mental Health Resources:
Guided meditation sessions with Orlaith O’Suillivan
Great for during the day or at bedtime (it’s fine to fall asleep) – this is a key practice to help soothe our nervous system and give ourselves space to rest, refresh and heal.
In this meditation we allow ourselves to rest in a living silence
This is good for transitions, to help us let go of a busy time or a difficult exchange. We make a gift of this little space so that we can refresh ourselves – then we can be more present for ourselves and our loved ones.
Walking meditation is great when we’re feeling strong emotions. You can walk at any pace and feel safety and kindness in your footsteps