The world seems like a scary place at the moment, and it’s completely normal to be feeling anxious and concerned. At times like these, it’s important to be kind to yourself and to do the things that make you feel happy and secure. Here’s a look at some self-care tips worth including in your daily lockdown routine – and beyond.

Get enough sleep
One of the easiest things you can do to take care of yourself is to get enough good quality sleep. It’s vital for good health, and if you don’t get enough, you may end up feeling fatigued, irritable and anxious. So how much sleep should you be getting? Here’s what the National Sleep Foundation has to say:

Younger adults (18–25): 7–9 hours
Adults (26–64): 7–9 hours
Older adults (65+): 7–8 hours

Add some stress busters to your day
Be sure to include some fun, calming or stress-relieving activities in your daily routine. For example, you may want to:

• Do some breathing exercises
• Follow a guided meditation
• Phone a friend
• Put on a relaxing playlist
• Read a good book
• Have an at-home spa day
• Watch some of your favourite comedies
• Soak up some sun in your garden or on your balcony

Do something creative
While you don’t need to reach the end of lockdown having learned a new skill, it’s definitely worth finding a creative outlet while you have plenty of time on your hands. Pick up that guitar you haven’t played in months, try a new recipe or two, do some creative writing, start a journal, or rearrange your furniture layout – whatever makes you feel energised and refreshed.

Move your body
Whether you do online workouts, stretch before bed, do a bit housework, learn a dance routine for fun, or hone your yoga or Pilates skills, try to get your body moving and your heart pumping at least once a day. Exercise helps to expend pent-up energy (great for those cabin-fever moments) and releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins.