March 26th, 2020 by Becky Calvert

We’re all having to adjust to a new normal. Many of us are now working from home, not working altogether, home-schooling children and some are having to work harder than ever. In times like this, it can be hard to feel relaxed and settled, especially when you’re someone who likes a routine and relies on a structure to get you through the day. Here are a few of our tips and tricks to keep you settled and as calm as possible during these strange times.

1. Make Your Own Routine

Like we said, for many people, a routine is super important. Although the routine that you’re used to is no longer possible, now is the perfect time to make your own. Take a few minutes to write down a weekly ‘to-do’ list and make it as structured or relaxed as you want – whatever works best for you! This way, you can see what you want to get done in the day (whether it’s home-schooling tasks, housework or work to be completed from home) and you’ll feel much more productive and in charge of the situation.

If you have kids, you can even get them involved in this! Make a chart with everything that they need to get done during the day too and with every bit of school work they get completed, or even tidying up their toys, they can cross it off. It might even help them to feel a bit more relaxed during the lockdown, as if they can see you’re doing the same too, they’ll feel like this time is a little more structured!

2. Get Comfortable

If you’re working from home, you probably don’t have the same set up that you would at work. This means you might be working without a comfy office chair and this can take its toll on your body. The same goes for anyone running around after children all day, or coming home after a long shift – you need to look after yourself. Many of us already have aching backs, knees, feet or necks and now is the perfect time to try and look after yourself a bit better. A heat pad relaxes your muscles and helps to reduce any pain – perfect for using as you work at your temporary desk or for when you need to relax on a night when your new ‘to do’ list is all ticked off!

Heated foot warmers are also a great option to unwind. Although the weather is starting to warm up, it’s still cold on mornings and nights and if you suffer from arthritis or poor circulation, this won’t help you feel relaxed! A heated foot warmer will keep you feeling cosy and warm – just what you need for when you feel a little overwhelmed.

3. Use Your Garden

As we now have to stay indoors as much as we possibly can, make sure to make good use of your garden if you have one. Take regular breaks in the lovely weather we now seem to be having and get some fresh air. Vitamin D is known to lift our mood and being outside will give you a bit more normality. Whether you have your lunch outside, play with the kids, or just sit and relax at the end of the day – it’s sure to leave you feeling more upbeat and calmer.

You can also use your garden to let your dog have a run around in if you’re finding you don’t have time for a super long dog walk or you’re feeling to anxious too leave the house that day. Whatever you need to do to feel a little more at ease and in control is perfectly understandable.

4. Sleep

It might sound strange, but many of us aren’t getting our full 8 hours. You’d think with more time on our hands, this would be the perfect time to catch up on sleep! However, more and more people are worrying and feeling anxious about the whole situation – causing them to stay up late and worry themselves in bed. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Over time, this will help you to sleep better as your body will have a sleep routine and will naturally start to feel tired on a night.

Getting into a warm and comfortable bed is key to a good night’s sleep. Check out our electric blankets to make sure your bed is as comfortable as possible, or look at our heated throws if you want to stay cosy during the day – perfect for film nights by yourself, with your kids or partner! A warm blanket or bed really helps to soothe and calm your mind, so if you’re really struggling to relax – make sure you’re as cosy as possible.

5. Exercise

Although we’re all being told to stay indoors as much as possible, we are allowed to leave our homes for one form of exercise a day – whether that’s on your own, or with other members of your household. Use this opportunity to go for a long walk, a run, jog or cycle to clear your mind and get some much-needed air. Although you might not want to do this every day, doing it a few times a week will definitely help you keep a little bit of normality in your routine and this can really help with those overwhelming anxious moments many of us are currently feeling.

It’s also a great way to appreciate the spring weather! Although it might not feel like it, spring seems to have well and truly sprung over the last few days and the new flowers, green grass and luscious trees are bound to put a smile on your face.