Coronavirus (COVID-19) 30 March: Things to do and ways to stay mentally balanced and physically well while staying at home

Horsham District Council sent this bulletin at 30-03-2020 02:41 PM BST

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Things to do and ways to stay mentally balanced and physically well while staying at home

Timestamp: 30 March 2020

This is a regular email bulletin that Horsham District Council will be sending out updating you on latest guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), updates about Council services and actions being taken.

This bulletin has been sent to public email subscribers, Horsham District Council members, Parish Council clerks and Horsham District Council staff.

Things to do while staying at home

Whilst most of us currently have to stay at home because of coronavirus (COVID-19), it's important that we take care of our mind and our body.

During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time.

That's why we've pulled together some handy links to keep the District active, creative and occupied while you stay at home.

Stay active at home with Places Leisure

Our leisure centre partners, Places Leisure, have created some online workouts for you to try at home whilst the leisure centres are closed.

There’s a great variety of workouts, focusing on Core, Strength, Cardio and Stretch to work all areas of your body. And the ‘Keep Moving’ workout is designed specifically for older adults so there’s something for everyone who’s stuck at home!

Take a 3D virtual tour of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery

Did you know that it is still possible to explore the treasure-trove of wonder that is Horsham Museum & Art Gallery from the comfort of your sofa?

Their fabulous 3D virtual tour allows you to browse the exhibits to your heart's content.

Join the movement: Stay In, Work Out

Sport England’s have launched a brand new campaign, Stay In, Work Out, with tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home. You can also ‘Join the Movement’ and use #StayInWorkOut on social media to share how you're getting active during this time.

Things to do at home with your children

Being indoors a lot more is a bit daunting, for kids and parents alike. It can be tricky to find things to do that can hold the attention of the older ones, while being easy enough for younger ones to join in too.

Check out these fun tips from CBeebies to keep them all entertained.

NHS Fitness studio man and woman working out

NHS Fitness Studio exercise videos

The Fitness Studio is a brilliant free resource from the NHS that allows you to take your pick from 24 instructor-led videos across aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, and pilates and yoga categories. Plus, there's the Wake up! workout, Vinyasa flow yoga, and Belly dancing for beginners to get you moving.

Stay mentally balanced and physically well while staying at home

You may also be low, worried or anxious, or concerned about your finances, your health or those close to you. But it is OK to feel like this – and it's important to remember that staying at home may be difficult, but you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing it.

The tips and advice below are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental and physical wellbeing and cope with how you may feel while staying at home.

NHS Support

On the NHS website you’ll find tips and advice to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel while staying at home.

Now you have more time at home it may also be just the time to try things like mindfulness and meditation practises. They really are for everyone and can help you cope with the stresses of everyday life and remain focused on the here and now.

8 relaxation tips for your mental health

Exploring relaxation can help you look after your wellbeing when you’re feeling stressed or busy.

Have a look at these tips and ideas from mental health charity Mind to see how relaxation can fit into your new routines. Don’t worry if some ideas don’t work for you – just enjoy the ones that do.

Government guidance on the mental health and wellbeing

This guide provides advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It includes help for groups with specific mental health needs, people with learning disabilities, autistic people, older people, people living with dementia and those who are dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency.

Look after your sleep

Feeling anxious or worried can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how you feel mentally and physically, so it’s important to get enough.

Try to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep good sleep hygiene practices – like avoiding screens before bed, cutting back on caffeine and creating a restful environment. The Every Mind Matters sleep page provides practical advice on how to improve your sleep.

Blogs, podcasts and audio

CALM are offering some resources free of charge. soothing meditation, sleep meditations and calm masterclasses. Check back daily as they’ll be updating these resources regularly.

You can also check out these podcasts from the Mental Health Foundation to aid your wellbeing which include a 3 minute and 10 minute mindfulness exercise, for even the busiest person!

Listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides from the NHS to help you boost your mood

Keep in touch with friends and family

Maintaining relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. Think about how you can stay in touch with friends and family via telephone, video calls or social media instead of meeting in person – whether it’s people you normally see often or connecting with old friends.

Do things you enjoy

When you are anxious, lonely or low you may do things that you usually enjoy less often, or not at all. Focussing on your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax indoors should give you some relief from anxious thoughts and feelings and can boost your mood.

Manage your media and information intake

24-hour news and constant social media updates can make you more worried. If it is affecting you, try to limit the time you spend watching, reading, or listening to media coverage of the outbreak. It may help to only check the news at set times or limiting to a couple of checks a day.

Keep your spirits up

In the midst of a situation like this in can be easy to get dragged down.

To help keep your spirits up St John's Ambulance have put together some help on keeping a positive outlook.

Council service updates

We are working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and maintain essential services, especially for the most vulnerable members of our communities. However, there may be disruption to some services over the coming weeks.

Visit our dedicated web pages for service updates throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

Thank you from all of us

Thank you ever so much everyone in the District for working together during this difficult time.

Your continued support means the world to our staff who are working hard to keep your public services running, including this lovely gesture from the residents in Tanbridge Park last week. It's very much appreciated.