British Red Cross offers wellbeing advice as lockdown measures extended

• Keep talking about what you are going through with family, friends and neighbours – speaking to people always helps. Stay connected via e-mail, social media, video conference and telephone. 
• Stick to your routines around the house. If you are stressed, pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food. 
• For people who are in contact with vulnerable adults, recognise that they may become stressed and confused. Practical support is important and equally important is emotional support through families and friends. 
• If you have an underlying health condition, make sure you have all your medications up to date (but don’t order in advance) and review any action plans for your condition.  
• No one needs to go through this alone. There is plenty of support out there – jot down a list of numbers e.g. charities, your local council, who can give advice. Seek information updates and practical guidance from official sources and avoid listening to or following rumours. 
 
Sarah Davidson, Head of Psychosocial and Mental Health for the British Red Cross, said:  
“Now the initial novelty and adrelanie has worn off, it might be more difficult to promote and sustain wellbeing and healthy ways of managing the lockdown. More focus is therefore needed to do so and we need to think of more creative ways to keep ourselves healthy during these strange and difficult times. 


"It is important that all of us, but in particular those with underlying health conditions, try to keep some normalcy in daily routines. Maintain control by making a daily plan of things you can do around the house. Try to access the news only once or twice throughout the day from reliable sources and use the rest of their time doing something you enjoy and find relaxing. If needed, reach out to neighbours or family members who can help by picking up your medications and other essentials for you. 

“To those who are well, reach out to your neighbours or friends. It can be a very lonely time, knowing that there are people around will go a long way in steadying people’s worries.”
 
ENDS