The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has created some tips to help people who are undertaking social distancing at the moment.
The government has advised that people with an underlying health condition or who are aged 70 or older should be social distancing for around 12 weeks.
This can seem quite daunting and not being able to do the things you usually do could become quite stressful so it’s really important to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health.
Top tips to support you
- Establish a daily routine. Routines provide structure and purpose.
- Balance your weekly routine so you have a good mix of work (activities that have to be done), rest and leisure.
- Think about which regular activities that are most important to you. What are the important elements to these? Can you adapt them to carry out in the home? For example, instead of a class, follow an online strength and balance routine.
- Set daily goals to provide purpose and a sense of achievement. This might include working through that list of the things you keep meaning to do but never get round to.
- Identify the triggers that make you feel low and look for ways to reduce or manage them.
- Talk with family, friends and neighbours to help them understand how you feel and how they can help. Can they talk you through using apps on your mobile phone, for instance?
- Take care of yourself. Eat and drink healthily with plenty of fruit, vegetables and water to support your immune function and energy levels. For more information see the BDA website.
- Avoid staying still for too long. Exercise and regular movement will maintain fitness and strength. If you are working from home, take breaks and eat away from your ‘desk’.
- Have a good sleep routine. If you are struggling, try avoiding tea and coffee in the late afternoon and evening, take a bath, using blackout curtains, listening to gentle music or deep breathing exercises.
- Keep in touch. Arrange to speak to someone most days on the phone, through social media or over the garden fence. Age UK and Silverline have people to speak to.
