Staying well during England’s third lockdown

Just days ago, people were cheering the start of 2021, which felt like a new chapter and the beginning of the end of this gruesome pandemic.

But the news of a third national lockdown will prove distressing for many in lots of different ways, which is why it is vital that we remain connected, present and kind in these increasingly difficult times.

Here are five simple wellness rituals you can incorporate into your daily life, whether you’re working full time from home, are on furlough, or are a student struggling to keep on top of assignments.

Don’t forget to breathe
During this pandemic, many of us have felt stressed constantly. Whether you’re actively anxious or even subconsciously stressed, try some deep, grounding breaths. Place one hand on your belly and one on your heart and take a long, deep breath in through your nose, feeling your belly rise.

Breathe out through your mouth, releasing tension and feeling your belly fall. Try this for one minute, or five minutes, and repeat throughout the day when you feel tense.

Start the day by disconnecting
I know this one is easier said than done, but starting the day with social media and the news is going to instantly overwhelm you. Try to pick up your book – preferably something lighthearted – and read, even if it’s just for five minutes.

Bristol has a host of independent bookshops, including Storysmith (picture), Max Minerva’s and Bloom and Curll. Photo: Jon Craig

It is such a peaceful and pleasant way to start the day, and can become a habit you carry with you even beyond the lockdown. If you need a new read, Bloom and Curll is an independent bookshop in Bristol offering a click and collect service during the lockdown – just message them on their social media or email.

Self care, self care, self care
Did I mention self care? Despite all the extra time this lockdown might bring us, it’s easy to forget to look after yourself. Try to carve out even just one evening a week that is dedicated to you – no zoom quizzes, no one else, just you. And then do something that’s for you, just you. This might be reading, watching your favourite TV series for the fifth time or doing an at home facial, but make sure it’s what you want to do.

For an at home facial, make yourself your favourite hot drink, tie up your hair and take your time to massage your face as you cleanse and moisturise.

Ellie recommends taking time out for yourself. Photo: Bristol SU

Wild Oats Natural Foods is one of my favourite small businesses to support in lockdown as it remains open because it sells essentials, but you can also find luxury skincare so you can treat yourself and support local shops in these difficult times.

Get outside
It’s pretty cold outside at the moment, but making use of your permitted daily exercise is really important. Even a 30 minute stroll outdoors can boost your mood, help your circadian rhythm (your body clock and sleep cycle) and clear your head.

Wrap up warm and drag your flatmate to one of our many green spaces in Bristol – I promise, you’ll feel better for it.

Take a walk in one of Bristol’s many parks. Photo: Ellie Pipe

Be kind to yourself
Last but by no means least, if we’ve learnt anything from the previous two lockdowns it’s that we should be gentle with ourselves. January is hard at the best of times, so in this lockdown don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be productive, to learn a new skill or become a fitness guru.

Don’t forget to check up on your friends and family who you cant be with at this time, and share this to anyone you think needs to look after themselves a bit more. Stay safe and well, we will get through this.

Main photo:Tamás Kovacs

Read more: England placed back under lockdown