It’s a strange old time! There’s a lot of stress and anxiety about, and a lot of us, through not being able to go to work, college or school, have ample time for worrying.
But worrying doesn’t change anything so here are some tips to help us make the best of it…..
Experts say to put some structure on your day. People feel better with a plan. Make yourself a timetable for your day; get up, get dressed, get going!
Slot in:
1)Exercise – Walk, run, or dance as if no one is watching! Find some exercise programmes to follow online. Wouldn’t it be great to exit lock down twice as fit as when it started? As regards mental health, the earlier in the day you exercise, the better you feel for the rest of it.
2)Always have some out-of-doors time and soak in as much daylight as possible. Sunlight is our greatest source of Vitamin D, which is thought to have a protective role when fighting the Corona Virus. If you are not getting out and about, consider talking a Vitamin D supplement as a bit of a boost! This may be especially important for the elderly if housebound.

3)Clear the clutter. Do a Marie Kendo on it! Spring clean that wardrobe, that garden shed, that space under the stairs. Put any unwanted treasures in a box in the attic to go to a charity shop when this is all over. You will feel twice as good!
4)Come dine with me. Take turns ‘Hosting Dinner’. Try a new recipe. Make an event of it, dress up and light candles. Have Christmas in May. Get the kids cooking too!
5)Learn a new language. Give half an hour a day to learn a new language. There are plenty of courses online. Try Duolingo.
6) Look up some courses that are available online. Try Future Learn: Put some polish on your C.V.
7)Learn how to draw or paint. The next Picasso could be from Kilmac! The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland has tutorials online.
8)For all sorts of information on mental and physical health and numbers to call for help and counselling to to https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together/?referrer=/together/
9)Learn how to juggle. Ten minutes practice everyday and you will be circus ready in no time. Oddly enough, juggling is great for clearing your head because you can’t focus on ANYTHING ELSE while doing it. Have a competition with family and friends to see who is the most circus ready!

THANK YOU!