If you’re having to stay at home and self isolate, looking after your mental health can seem more difficult than usual, but it’s just as important as looking after your physical health during this COVID-19 outbreak.

Here are some steps to take to ensure you’re looking after your mental health, especially through these uncertain times.

1. Keep in contact with people

Combat loneliness by contacting people and groups you usually see often via video calls. It might help to arrange a daily or weekly time to catch up. If you’re worried about having enough to talk about, you could arrange to both watch a tv show or read the same book to discuss on your next call. Why not give online games a try where you can play against each other.

2. Try to keep active

Making exercise part of your routine will give you those endorphins which we all know and love. Whilst most of us don’t have exercise equipment at home, there are other options to keep you moving like cleaning, dancing to music, walking up and down the stairs… as well as a variety of online workouts to follow, like this 20 minute full body workout.

3. Get as much sunlight as you can

Getting sunlight can improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress. Make sure you’re opening your curtains every morning to let as much light in as possible. Why not arrange a new comfortable place to sit by a window to soak up that sunlight. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, allow yourself time to sit outside or open your door and sit on the doorstep to get some fresh air.

4. Find ways to spend your time

As we’re not able to carry on with our usual routines, it’s important to take time to think about new activities you can do whilst spending your time in isolation. Here are a few options you may want to explore: having a clear out, admin tasks you haven’t got round to do, read books magazines and articles, listen to music and podcasts, learn something new online or on an app, get creative with a colouring book or crafts, learn a new skill like knitting, have a digital clear out of your social media channels, meditate or solve a puzzle.

5. Be mindful of the social media and news channels you’re consuming

It’s important to stay up to date with the latest updates, but be careful where you are getting your news and health information from. For up-to-date advice on the COVID-19 situation in Australia, check out the official government website. If the news and social media channels are making you feel anxious or confused, switch it off or limit what you’re consuming each day.

For more tips on looking after your mental health, check out this list of resources