This is a guest post by Katie from Katie Winder Yoga based in Hoghton. If you’d like to write a guest post for Blog Preston, email contactus@blogpreston.co.uk.

There’s a lot of us who have sat down to tune into the news, probably more often than usual (I’m usually a ‘stay away from the news channel’ girl myself), and dreaded the next rollercoaster ride that is going to be bestowed upon us. This week felt to many of us like another huge blow as we gather up that last bit of strength for Lockdown 3.0.

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The news came to many of you who have already spent most of the last year trying to juggle endless roles: breadwinner, parent, teacher, sibling, friend, co-worker, partner and even hairdresser! Each role nagging for your attention like spinning plates about to fall at any moment. 

While pre-pandemic life (remember that?) can be stressful enough, we’re into a whole new level of needing to look after our wellbeing, so I’ve put together a couple of tips to help you survive the next lockdown, and walk out from hibernation feeling a little more balanced.

The most important thing to remember is that the role at the epicentre of all the other roles is ‘you’. The ‘you’ that, right now, only wants to cry, crack jokes or just have a moment to lose yourself in the last Quality Street tin from Christmas. Every single emotion you are feeling right now is valid.

Which brings us to my first tip for surviving the next lockdown…

Tip No. 1

Give yourself some space to feel over the next few days and take care of you. Honour how you feel about the next month or two and acknowledge them.

In doing so you’ll be able to create space to take care of others, even if that care looks like a bowl cut fringe for your kids.

Tip No.2

Find some quiet time, daily if you can. It doesn’t have to be a meditation session sat in a lotus pose with incense burning (though that does sound pretty nice).

You can simply just make your favourite cup of tea or coffee and sit somewhere quiet without any distractions, and simply sip away.

Tip No. 3

Get journaling! Journaling is a fantastic way to help your thoughts find some stability. It doesn’t need to be an essay or even make any sense, just singular words that come to mind will help!

Try writing words that come to mind while holding a pen in your non-dominant hand, it can help to slow down your thoughts and allow your mind to focus on the emotion that is stirring. 

Tip No. 4

Get into Nature. I know the weather is cold and isn’t much fun unless there’s snow, but do still get outside, preferably in daylight hours, even in the rain.

It’s so uplifting for your wellbeing and will bring a sense of grounding. 

Tip No.5

Speak to family and friends as much as you can, opt for calling and video calls over texting. The connection from hearing and seeing each other will do wonders for both of you and keep you connected.

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Try ‘popping in’ for a brew over video call at a regular time each week.

Tip No. 6

Lastly, if you’re doing some shopping, opt for small local businesses – they need our help more than ever right now.

Let the small food stores lead the way for once during this lockdown, try refill stores to keep a sense of helping towards a more sustainable lifestyle, or why not shop for some items that are homemade online?

You’ll be helping someone else’s mental health by investing in their craft.

If you manage just one of these tips, you’ll be taking a small step towards your own wellbeing, but don’t pressurise yourself to do every one of them. The aim is to find regular small amounts of time for yourself.

Most of all, reach out to those who are there to help, there are lots of wonderful charities and resources online if you’re feeling low or alone and just need to talk to someone.

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