Tips for Easing out of Lockdown

As the country eases out of lockdown, a return to ‘normal’ life may make you feel excited but also nervous. After many weeks being indoors, feeling a little anxious is understandable but there are a lot of things you can try to make this easier. We have put together a few tips to smooth out the transition, which may help you feel confident as you start leaving your house more.

Take it slow

Remember you can pace yourself and set yourself stepping stones to reach your goal of going out again. There is no rush to return to your pre-lockdown activity levels, you can dictate the pace.

Prepare

Collect all the things you want to take out with you. Open your door, take some deep breaths and just stand outside for a couple of minutes. Decide where you want to walk to and break it down in shorter sections: you may choose to walk to the first lamp post and back; the end of your road and back; the first seat so you sit down; to your friend’s garden, and so on.

Go out with family and friends

You may prefer taking the first few trips with a family member or a friend, to keep you company and make this an easier experience. Perhaps you can support each other.

Get in nature

Open green spaces are great places to experience nature, hear the birds, smell the flowers, and it can be a place which may help reduce anxiety.

Sleep well

Getting a good night’s sleep is really important for a healthy body and mind, and can help you feel more resilient to uncertainty.

Take care of your diet

Eating healthily is important to help you feel good inside and out.

Get moving

Going out may help you exercise – remember, walk before you run!

Asking for help, or knowing where to find it, is never easy. Arthritis Action has put together a Mental Health Directory with information for services available to you across the country, to help you get support, if you need it.