Many of us are worried about coronavirus (Covid-19) and how it could affect our life. This may include having to spend a lot of time at home or concerns about being around other people. Now, more so than ever, it’s really important you take care of your mental health.
It can be easy to rush through life, worrying about what’s going on in the world, without stopping to notice much. However, paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental wellbeing.
Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Mindfulness can help us enjoy life more and understand ourselves better. You can take steps to develop it in your own life.
Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves making a special effort to notice what’s happening in the present moment (in your mind, body, and surroundings) – without judging anything. It has roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don’t have to be spiritual, or have any particular beliefs, to try it.
It aims to help you:
- become more self-aware
- feel calmer and less stressed
- feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
- cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
- be kinder towards yourself.
Tips and exercises to become more mindful
MIND have created a range of mindful tips and exercises to help you become more mindful. Read more here.
If you are experiencing any mental health issues related to lockdown and the pandemic, MIND have a 24-hour helpline: 0300 123 3393.
Mood assessment test
When it comes to emotions, it can sometimes be hard to recognise or admit that we’re not feeling 100%. This NHS mood self-assessment can help you better understand how you’ve been feeling recently.
Check your mood using this simple mood self-assessment quiz. It helps you better understand how you’ve been feeling over the last two weeks and points you in the right direction for helpful advice and information. Take the test here.