Top 6 tips for surviving the lockdown

1. Healthy eating

Like exercise, when we have a typical breakdown or are stressed, eating habits can go potty. Try and eat regular meals. Avoid overeating, or if you do, try to choose healthy snacks such as nuts or fruits. Use it as an opportunity to get adventurous in cooking and learn some new cooking skills. If you have kids at home, baking or cooking is a fun activity and educating them. There are a lot of cooking ideas online if you need them.

2. Follow a routine

Everyone is unfamiliar with the current epidemic, so it is essential to have some routine. Try to get up at your regular time and go to bed. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and keeping hydrated can help you fight bugs and improve your health. Children can be susceptible to the uprising, so try to build with the basic rules/boundaries set for their day and stick with them.

3. Help the Neighbors

The elderly, the sick, or the immobile neighbors are at high risk during this period. If you have time, why not call them to check out how they are doing, and ask them if they need anything if you are running an essential shopping run. Many communities can set up regular volunteer groups and involve you.

4. Regular exercise and fresh air

Exercise often goes out the window when our daily lives are affected. Exercise is not only a great way to keep us physically healthy, but it is also a great way to reduce stress and protect our mental health. It does not have to be fancy; you can do a lot of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions quickly if you are stuck indoors or do something as simple as climbing stairs a few times. Nothing is better than anything.

If you can get out even better, 30 minutes of brisk cycling/walking/running is enough (maintaining your social space!). Joe Vix 'The Body Coach' is doing a 30 minute daily PE class daily on YouTube, which is popular among children. If you are lucky enough to have your garden or outdoor space, use it more if the weather is good. If you are not, or you are struggling to get out, open the window and let some fresh air in. A little sunlight is best for boosting your vitamin D levels. If this is a clear night, why not go out for a walk in the evening and see a little star?

5. Variety is the spice of life

a variety of activities will prevent any boredom, you do not have to resort to box sets and daytime TV. Gardening is a great activity and fun with the kids. You do not even have to have a garden, because many things can be quickly grown on the window sill. Local garden centers also offer free home delivery. Reading a book or keeping your mind active with puzzles/quizzes/crosswords are easy activities to get started. There are plenty of exercises online for adults and children that are free during the lockout.

Why not try a new language, musical instrument or expand your horizons with a free opera broadcast? Audible audiobooks for children are free when schools close, and David Williams' worst children's stories in the world are free to listen to every day at 11 am. Rosetta Stone offers free access to 3 months of free online courses for children.

6. Control social media and news feeds

Being informed is excellent, but being frantic and tuning in all the time can be harmful. If you find your anxiety is increasing, try to stay away and limit access to once a day. Be sure to get your information from reputable sources; whatever you read online or on social media will be a healthy skeptic. If you do not know, visit the official websites (NHS, Gov.UK) or ask your friendly GP (training website or email advice if available).