Mind lock book
You may be able to buy seeds, flowers or plants online for delivery, to grow and keep indoors.Listen to natural sounds, like recordings or apps that play birdsong, ocean waves or rainfall.Or you could print photos and put them up on your walls, if you have a space of your own. You could use them as the background on your mobile phone or computer screen. Look at photos of your favourite places in nature.And w hen it does get dark, try to keep your living space well lit so that you're not straining your eyes. You could change rooms during the day depending on which rooms get the most light at different times, if this is possible where you live.For example, you could try sitting by a window where you can look at the sky or trees, or watch birds and other animals. Try to get some natural light as part of your routine.Or you can read other people's experiences of living through coronavirus with a long-term health condition on the Our Covid Voices website. If your mental health has been affected during the pandemic, you could try writing a blog for Mind about your experiences.This includes those of us who were, or are, shielding. We know that the coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for those of us who have long-term physical and mental health problems.You can check the government coronavirus guidelines for where you live to find out how you can safely meet up with others.
There are different guidelines for meeting with others across England and Wales.See our pages on loneliness for more tips to help yourself cope.Listen to a chatty radio station or podcast if your home feels too quiet.For example, putting extra pictures up of people you care about might be a nice reminder of the people in your life. If you are feeling lonely, think about things you can do to feel close to others.I like the structure of being involved in something with a framework, beginning middle and end." Find ways of managing loneliness Even if it’s just a round of charades, countdown or number games. "I suggest group activities, perhaps via Zoom. If you prefer not to use a phone or computer, you could try writing letters or postcards.If you're going online more than usual or seeking peer support on the internet, it's important to look after your online wellbeing. See our pages about online mental health for more information.Mind runs an online peer support community where you can share your experiences and hear from others. You could join a peer support community.This can be especially helpful if they are in a similar situation and share your feelings. If you're feeling low or anxious about coronavirus, it may help to talk about this with someone you trust.
Or you could take part in a quiz, or read a book separately and then discuss it with each other when you speak.
MIND LOCK BOOK TV
If you're worried that you might run out of things to talk about, make a plan with someone to watch a TV show, live music or theatre together.
You can also arrange phone calls or send instant messages or texts. If you want to keep in touch with people, you could make plans to video chat instead. Or may not feel comfortable doing this, even without legal restrictions.