Resilience is a key determinant of survival.
Like so many virtues, resilience is as much a skill as it is a trait. During lockdown, not only can you maintain your reserves of resilience, you can build upon them too.
Here’s how!
1. Cultivate Positive Relationships
“No man is an island, entire of itself.”
John Donne
Solitary confinement is frequently considered a cruel form of punishment for good reason. Even the most introverted among us need to maintain relationships with others.
It’s no surprise the recent spate of lockdowns has landed a heavy blow to public mental health.
Luckily, it is still possible to maintain healthy relationships and build upon them and forge new ones, especially with the wealth of technological tools at our fingertips.
This is unchartered territory for many of us. Take the initiative and check in with friends and family members. Join online interest groups. Texts, email, and phone and video calls are all great ways to keep in touch.
Let the people in your life know you are still there, and you still care – even if you won’t be able to visit for a while.
2. Get Your Mind Right
Your relationship with yourself is as important as your relationship with others. Take time out to get your mind straight.
A positive attitude starts with your thoughts. Avoid watching endless hours of doom and gloom on the news. Find the time to meditate – there are a ton of available apps to assist.
Breathing exercises are another great way to calm your central nervous system. Breathe in for 4 seconds and out for 6 seconds to slow your breathing rate to six breaths per minute. Repeat this for five minutes per day.
3. Stay Strong
I get it. The gyms are closed, and even the public park may be out of bounds, but that’s no reason to let all your muscles atrophy.
It’s never been easier to work out at home. You don’t even need specialist equipment. Bodyweight workouts are all the rage for good reason.
Shadowboxing, stretching, pushups, and planks are also great ways to keep your body strong during lockdown.
You’ll find a wealth of useful resources online to help you put together your own tailored programme. Maybe your lack of flexibility has been holding you back? Check out a yoga channel on YouTube.
When the gyms open again, you’ll be high-kicking like Peter Aerts in his prime!
4. Rest Up
Look for the silver lining. In a lockdown, you’ll likely have fewer demands on your time – take advantage!
Rest is essential to maintain optimum physical and mental health and preserve your resilience. Early to bed, early to rise, and you can’t go wrong.
These four elements will provide a shape and predictability to your day to optimise your sense of control during uncertain times. They will help you not only emerge refreshed from these difficult times but ready to get stuck back into life’s fray, all the stronger for the experience.
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