With All Major Events Cancelled and The Whole UK Now in Lock-Down it’s Now More Important Than Ever to Look After Your Well-Being as Well as Others’. Words by Adam Humphreys.
Since it became official from 23rd March 2020, the whole of the UK went into lock-down in a bid to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. Events such as Glastonbury 2020, both the Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed till next year. And like so many of us I was looking forward to these events as they provided me with a mental escape from the complexities of life.
However, there is something that we should all be taking away from this and that is the ever-growing need to look after our health and personal well-being. Another thing that I also believe that we could take away from this is coming together as a community, regardless of where you are.
On the night of the 26th March 2020, at 8pm the nation joined together to show both solidarity and gratitude for our beloved NHS workers and carers. As a support worker who helps support people with mental health problems various disabilities, both physical and learning, I felt somewhat proud to be joining in with this. And I tell you something else as well, it gave me a sense of pride in that I was helping out in my part with the effort.
Seriously, both during those few minutes I felt a true sense of self-worth. That is something that you just cannot put a price on.
However, what we cannot deny is that in these current times this current situation does play heavily on our own well-being. Many questions go through our heads which is completely understandable with thoughts about when we will be able to see friends and family who are in dire need and how we can support people when we are worried about ourselves.
Here are a few tips that I can recommend that could help us through this time
• Learn a new skill. You’ve got the time so why not make something of it
• Organise weekly sessions; movie nights, book clubs etc and talk about it with various groups on social media
• Do the housework and gardening. You might not be able to go to DIY stores or B&Q but it’ll keep you occupied for a while.
• Create food with the family. Many people like cakes and biscuits, why not teach them how to make them.
• Talk to neighbours. Make new friends and take the time to get to know people on your street
• Read a book. You’ve got plenty of time on your hands, why not broaden your literature horizons
• Dust off that exercise bike. Just cos you’re stuck indoors doesn’t mean you can’t keep healthy. Dust off and lift those weights you’ve got lying around as well.
