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As the lockdown has been extended, many of us have been asking the question: what to do in the lockdown? If you are a Type A person like me, you are probably freaking out. But this lockdown presents a golden opportunity for things to do for your mental health. This list isn’t limited to cliche tips. The key to mental health is balancing all your dimensions of wellness, not just one. So, keep reading for ways where you can find balance in all aspects of life to look after your mental health in the lockdown.
My Top 10 Things to Do for Your Mental Health in the Lockdown
Note: I’ve also labeled them according to the different dimensions of wellness (so you can see it is a very balanced list! 🙂 )Â
1. Meditate – Spiritual
Cliche, right? You’re going to shout at me and say, you have read this on every list for “things to do for your mental health”. Well, sure. But this time at home gives you a chance to ACTUALLY get your ass up, into a seated position (or lying, or standing, or whatever you prefer), and meditate. Stuck at home, there are absolutely no excuses.Â
I have tried to meditate regularly for years now. It was even a New Year’s Resolution. But I have failed miserably to do it CONSISTENTLY, daily, no matter what. But now, I resolve to try meditating. I am at home, so even if I skip it in the morning, I can do a quick 5-minute one at any time of the day. The point is to do it consistently every day to truly feel the effects of meditation. Because as we all know – or if you don’t, get ready for me to burst your bubble – it isn’t magic.Â
You need to be consistent, so this is the perfect time. Because you can take 5 minutes ANY TIME OF THE DAY at home.
2. Journal – EmotionalÂ
I have been journaling daily (or almost daily) for quite some time. It has been a couple of years. And it is a great morning routine. Expressing anxieties, working through problems, reflecting on the good, and jotting down complicated trains of thought, is very therapeutic. But even if there isn’t much to write, just the simple daily routine of sitting down with coffee and opening my journal grounds me. I know exactly what I am going to do after waking up. And for someone like me who is anxious and indecisive, with limited decision-making power, this relaxes me. Maybe not particular for mental health during Covid-19, but helpful nonetheless.
3. Workout – Physical
We all know exercise is good for you. Physical health is one of the pillars of mental health. And with the entire world doing it at home now, even the craziest gym freaks, you know that you have no excuses but to make it work.Â
If you want, don’t aim for something intense. Do anything you like. Even if it is a fun dance routine, or yoga for beginners. 5 minutes is good too. If you like nature, go for walks outside. Taking your yoga mat outside and pretending to stretch while your dog jumps on you and licks your face counts too!
4. Learn a Language – Mental
For me, it is Spanish. I studied it for three years in high school, and after that I forgot most of it. Two years ago, I began learning again through podcasts and TV shows. But, as you can expect, life happened, and it faded away.
But locked at home, I can start again! When I go for a walk or doodle, I listen to a Spanish podcast. When I am lazy and want to Netflix, I swap in English content for fun Spanish movies (there are some very mindlessly funny ones). And that last one is a double whammy because even though I am Netflixing (yes I just made that word), and being SO lazy, I sneakily tell my brain I am being productive. After all, I am learning a language!.
But I am not keeping any goal. You might think that is crazy and counter-productive. But remember, this is supposed to be an EXTRA little personal growth activity. Not a terrorizing “To-Do” item.
So try to imbibe a bit of the language in any form. Even if you engage in the language once in a couple of days, at least it will stay fresh in my memory. That is good enough.Â
5. Work – Vocational
Work! Working is important. Yes, unfortunately we need money to sustain ourselves. Try to set a schedule so that you know exactly when you need to work. Show up at the set time, like you would show up to office, without getting caught up in laziness or whether you “feel” like it or not. Tip: get dressed beforehand, so you feel like you are actually in office, at work.
This is one of those things to do for your mental health that helps you indirectly. Feeling productive and having a sense of purpose can go a long way in boosting your self-esteem and happiness.Â
6. Be Creative – Mental
One of the best things to do for your mental health is to let your imagination and creativity run wild. For all you creatives out there, this lockdown is perfect for giving you the chance to create. Let your imagination run wild and create something fun. Write, draw, paint. Choreograph a dance for a new song or create an awesome makeup look.Â
Even if you don’t think you are creative, get out some fun youtube DIY videos and get crafty! It is always fun to just play around and create something. Get out some paints or colored pencils or anything else you might have.Â
7. Play – Social/Emotional/Physical
Play with your kids or pets if you have any. Or have a pillow fight with your loved one.Â
I am SO lucky because 2 days before the lockdown, my sister got a puppy! And when I am tired or don’t know what to do, I have an adorable puppy who loves to run around, be cuddled, or be petted.Â
8. Create a Vision Board – Spiritual/Mental
This is something I REALLY wanted to do for years and never got around to it. I just never slowed down enough, but I am SO excited to try it now! A vision board will inspire you and motivate you towards your goals. If you are a believer of the Law of Attraction, then it is also supposed to help you manifest your dreams. But whatever your motive, it is definitely a fun, creative project to do!
9. Learn a New Skill – Mental
I mentioned learning a language, but you can learn anything you have always wanted to. Some ideas: coding, drawing/painting/calligraphy, photography and photo-editing, videography/video-editing, graphic design, illustrating, knitting, baking, cooking, dancing, yoga/flexibility, hair and makeup, nail art, DIY crafts, blogging, website design, writing, etc. There is SO much to learn in the world. While you are home, try it out.Â
10. Read – MentalÂ
I am learning to love reading again! Instead of picking up your phone when you are bored, just pick up a book. Trust me, it is much more entertaining and fulfilling. And there is no pressure of finishing a book. Just read a page, or a paragraph. Do it for fun.Â
Tip: I thought I didn’t like reading, but that is because I wasn’t reading books I liked! So if you find it hard to read, experiment with genres you like. Biographies? Sci-Fi? Non-fiction. Thriller? Fantasy?
BONUS TIP:Â
So this doesn’t get it’s own number, becuase it is not actually something to do.
The extra tip is… drumroll…
To Do NOTHING.
You might not get this opportunity again. Just stare at the clouds. Listen to the birds. Look at the sunlight playing with the dust particles. This is humanity. You are a human being, not a human doing, and that means doing nothing and zoning out is a part of your essence, one that you may have been ignoring for far too long.Â
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Remember, this list is just my personal list. Adapt it, use it, or completely change it. Make it yours.Â
Tell me what you are doing for your mental health in the lockdown in the comments below! If you are struggling, please feel free to dm/email me!
Learn a New Skill so good… by the way i am also learning language (Korean) via YouTube or other mediums in this Lockdown. It is really hard to keep yourself motivated when you are doing things by own however it helps you grow as a person.
That’s so great to hear! Yes, it is true, it is hard to be motivated. But I think the most important thing is you keep encouraging yourself. Don’t give up, but also don’t push yourself too hard. If you miss a day here and there, or take a break, it is okay.