Lindsey, Peer specialist, Dorset Mental health Forum

I work as a peer specialist with the Dorset Mental Health Forum, during COVID -19 (coronavirus) we have produced webinars to support Dorset residents around topics of sleep, managing anxiety, setting boundaries and keeping motivated.

When I find myself becoming anxious, I take five minutes to practice a simple breathing technique, focusing on the breath and noticing what’s going on in my body really helps me.

At these times where we are spending a lot of time at home it’s really important to keep to a routine, especially if you suffer with low mood, it can really help to split the day up and have some tasks throughout the day.

Here’s an example of a daily routine:

Morning

• Get up, shower and dressed for the day.

• Morning activity to improve mood e.g. walk the dog, brisk walk around the block, coffee in the garden.
• Change something about your environment e.g. open a window to see what’s going on outside, what can you hear, smell and fell as the fresh air comes in.
• Do a specific task e.g. not just ‘tidy’ but ‘hoover the carpet in the lounge’, these specific tasks can boost your self-esteem when you set a goal and achieve it
• Connect with someone, ring a family member, FaceTime a friend or speak to your neighbour from a safe distance. Connection is so important find out more about Live Well Dorset’s 5 Ways Challenge.

Afternoon

• Change something about your environment e.g. open a window to see what’s going on outside, what can you hear, smell and fell as the fresh air comes in.
• Do a specific task e.g. not just ‘tidy’ but ‘hoover the carpet in the lounge’, these specific tasks can boost your self-esteem when you set a goal and achieve it

Evening

• Connect with someone, ring a family member, FaceTime a friend or speak to your neighbour from a safe distance. Connection is so important find out more about Live Well Dorset’s 5 Ways Challenge.

If you are struggling with anxiety during lockdown, research what support is available and feels right for you. The first step is the hardest but overcoming fear can lead to receiving the support you need and remember be kind to you, it’s okay not to be okay.