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There is no denying that we are living in difficult times, and the upcoming weeks and months are likely to be tough on us all. The key to getting through this, is to stay happy and healthy as much as possible. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, taking some small steps to ensure our continued good health and mental wellbeing can make a real difference. It puts you in control and you feel as if you’re doing something positive, so here are some ways in which you can boost your good health and your state of mind…

 

Looking after your physical health

  • Maintain high levels of hygiene

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We know it’s been said before, but it’s so important that we wash our hands frequently, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Even if you’re in self-isolation, it’s still important to keep up this habit and make sure the rest of the family do too. Be sure to wash your hands before you eat, after you visit the bathroom, if you sneeze or cough and of course if you’ve been out of the house.

 

  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue

 Most of us cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze, but we often do this simply with our hands. This is a habit we all need to get out of. When we cough or sneeze, we need to cover our faces with a tissue, which should then be put in the bin. Cough or sneeze into your hand and any bacteria will be transferred from your hand to any surface you touch.

 

  • Don’t touch your face

Another tricky habit to break but one that’s also really important is touching your face. Make yourself aware of when you’re doing it and stop immediately. The more you draw your own attention to your behaviour, the easier it will be to change it.

 

  • Try out a handshake alternative

 Shaking hands used to be friendly and polite, but now it’s putting both people at risk, so it’s time to find an alternative. There are plenty of suggestions out there such as nodding, touching elbows or tapping feet together.

 

  • Follow the guidelines regarding staying at home

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If you’re unwell, it’s so important to stay at home now. In the past, many of us will have still gone into work with cold or flu-like symptoms, but now we all need to be extra cautious.

 

Taking care of your mental health

  • Support local businesses

Small businesses are really going to find things difficult, so it’s important that we all do what we can for these local enterprises. Many restaurants are now offering home delivery, so why not order in your favourite meals?

 

  • Limit your news exposure

With the constant stream of information available these days, it can become almost addictive to watch the news all day every day, but if it’s getting you down and you’re finding your anxiety levels rising, then try to avoid it, or stick to just hearing the headlines once or twice a day.

 

  • Treat yourself

Many of us are worried about others, our children or elderly relatives, but it’s also important to focus on ourselves. A small treat can really help to remind us that we can still feel happy even in tough times, so whether it’s a box of your favourite chocolates or a long soak in a bubble bath, do take time out to enjoy a moment to yourself.

 

  • Look out for others

Being a good friend and a great neighbour can help to distract you from your own troubles. Perhaps you have an elderly neighbour who is isolating and would really appreciate you helping them with groceries, maybe you could call up a friend who lives alone for a chat. You could even do some online shopping, supporting businesses and sending surprise gifts to friends and relatives. Imagine how lovely that will be for them when it arrives out of the blue!

 

  • Find fun distractions

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Be prepared with lots of good ways to keep busy and have fun. Board games, jigsaws, books, art and craft supplies can all be ordered in if you don’t have them. Find exercise or dance routine videos on YouTube, or get out in the garden and make it beautiful ready for summer.

 

Together we’ll all get through this

We hope you’ll follow these tips to keep healthy and positive. We wish you all the very best of health in these troubled times and remember, we’re stronger together – so stay safe and stay happy.

 

 

 

 

 

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