By How to cope with lockdown: Positive News readers share their tips
Last week we asked Positive News readers to share their coping strategies to help others stay resilient. From telling stories in Zoom to learning sign language, this is how you cope
Examining the responses to our request for confinement coping strategies It has been a stimulating exercise at a time when tough new measures are coming into force across Europe.
It was inspiring to find out how many readers are taking the opportunity to pick up an instrument for the first time or learn a new language. The desire to create, from baking to writing stories, was a common thread. So was reading, zooming in, and spending time outdoors. Whether in gardens, for those lucky enough to have one, or in public spaces, many of you take comfort in nature.
Such was the response that we cannot publish all the coping strategies that we receive. We are sorry that yours is not on this list, which we hope will inspire others during this period of isolation and uncertainty.
“Looking for something positive in [the] everyday. My mother, who lived in occupied Poland during World War II, taught me this. ” Anita johnson
“Find a family activity. We learned sign language on YouTube every night. ” Melissa nathan
“We were protecting, so we couldn’t go out and help others. Instead, we “help” one person or group per week by sending a gift or donating to a cause. We send small gifts to the children of our friends, we give coupons to people, we donate to food banks. It’s true that helping others also helps you. ” Catherine D Longson
“Walking on the National forest trail, a little more every Sunday. There are a lot of really good trails in Britain through beautiful scenery that are still great at this time of year. ” Neil Brown
Forest bathing and photography were two common coping strategies. Image: smart
“Looking for the positive and attractive opportunities that we might not have had otherwise. My husband worked from home. My kids loved having him closer. We went back to a simpler time where schedules weren’t based on birthday parties and play dates. ” Jodi schmidt
“Get out of the house, if only to sit at the door.” Laney DeShetler
“I decided to look for something beautiful every day to take a photo and post it on social media.” Chris Grayston
“Write 10 things you are thankful for every morning.” Lisa michelle
“Do something. Bake, knit, knit, draw, write: turn off the news and get to work.” Kathleen young
Many readers use blocking to learn to play an instrument. Image: Oleg Ivanov
“I was so anxious in March that I had to visit the doctor because of the panic attacks. So, I made a simple decision that changed everything. I stopped listening, watching or reading news. I stopped looking at social media. I asked my husband to tell me what I really needed to know and then went on with my life one day at a time, enjoying gardening, crafts, cooking, and the sun like never before in my life. No more distractions and no more trying to understand all the events of the world. My brain had space once it broke free from constantly trying to find solutions to things it had no control over. Some people just don’t have the ability to deal with everything that hype news shows throw at them and they can’t deal with all the problems that they can’t do anything to change. So if you’re one of those, drop everything … except for Positive news that is to say.” Linda Lytollis
“I decided to make birthday cakes for all my locked up friends living in London and deliver them personally by bike (and write about it). This: a) made me feel like I was helping others by showing them that I was thinking of them and giving them a real person to talk to in a socially detached way; b) gave me a creative purpose; c) get out there and exercise (and explore London like I’ve never done before). ” Valerie Saint-Pierre
“Let’s put diet aside for now,” advises Filomena Fragione. It seems that many of you did. Image: Brooke Lark
“Aside from eating well and going for a walk almost every day, our key was (and still is) to make sure we end the day with a laugh by watching an old comedy show on TV. Initially Citizen Khan, then Last of The Summer Wine and now The Vicar of Dibley; nothing violent, just kind humor. ” Jan Burch
“Something that really got me through the first lockdown was the routine, planning ahead, even if parts of my day were planned to complete once I knew what I felt like doing. I really benefited from the structure. ” Jade heron
“I started an encouraging Tumblr for my friends, my family and my social networks. [followers], where she posted uplifting stories that she found on the Internet, funny cartoons, stimulating books, music and movies, along with recipes and ideas for arts and crafts. Katherine harold
“When we were children, we loved being read to and it was a tradition on Christmas Day for our father to read us a ghost story by candlelight. My brother Adrian started reading ghost stories to the family on Zoom during the closing, this resulted in a wide variety of short stories. Sharing a story in this way has continued as a weekly tradition. It has brought us closer together as an extended family. It’s very different from buying an audiobook, it’s more personal and there’s a feeling of togetherness. ” Canton of Alyson
Get out of the house, even if it’s just to sit on your doorstep
“I went for a walk every day and with my FitBit I was aiming for 10,000 steps a day. I would also do one of the many exercise classes online; my personal favorites were Heather Robertson, who has a great mix of variety and uplifting music, and Lita Lewis because of her infectious positivity. ” Greg Aslangul
“The main thing for me is planning. I may not meet friends for coffee or a night out, but I make sure my calendar has virtual calls and activities with friends and family, as well as planning solo activities like watching a movie, getting a takeout , even complete a puzzle. or (more recently …) learn Italian online “. Anna foley
“One blocking strategy that works for me is using a ‘walkie talkie’ with a friend. We arrange to call at the same time each week, and we always chat as we walk. It feels like walking with a friend by your side, and it seems to help our conversations become deeper, more exploratory, and more meaningful than it would be if we were both sitting in our respective homes. Our walkie-talkies are scheduled for 8 am on Monday mornings, a lovely and positive start to the week. ” Erica Bower
Chinwags with friends and family has kept many of you grounded. Image: Kevin Laminto
“Treat yourself. Put the diet aside for now – [it’s] It’s not the most important thing in these tough times, your mental health is. ” Filomena Fragione
“Meditation. Taking time out of my day to reflect, appreciate the things that I am grateful for and de-stress was very helpful and I have managed to keep the habit, so I’m sure this time will help too.” Jeff ‘The Smart Scientist’
“Using the lock as an opportunity to get on with projects that I never have time for, like organizing all my photos. This really helped me find meaning and purpose in the time of lockdown. ” Sandy murthy
“Acceptance is what helped me get through the first confinement. An acknowledgment that the pandemic was greater than any resistance it could muster. So, I gave in to the situation and focused on what I could control: myself, my well-being and following the health advice ”. Beautiful
Lead Image: Kinga Cichewicz
