Top 10 Tips for Staying Positive on Blue Monday and During Lockdown From Clinical Therapist Elizabeth Lorimer

Going into lockdown again at the start of 2021 has left a lot of us feeling anxious, depressed and overwhelmed.   During the last lockdown I shared daily tips on how to stay mentally well which a lot of people found very helpful during these exceptional times. Today is officially named “Blue Monday” so I have put together my top 10 tips to help stay positive today, and the coming days to follow.

1. If you’re finding that the news or posts on social media is making you feel anxious or depressed then perhaps try taking a couple of hours break to enjoy what the world has to offer, walk in the park, watch the sunset, look up and watch the birds or clouds.
2. Fight the lockdown fatigue with some endorphins. A good way of releasing endorphins is to keep active. This can be as simple as going for a walk in the fresh air or dedicating some you time by downloading a fitness routine.
3. If you feel emotional confide in a friend, it feels good to be heard. Try not to keep your anxious or depressed feelings to yourself. Sharing your feelings with a friend not only vocalises how you are feeling but often helps to process your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
4. Put on some upbeat music to distract yourself from your thoughts, dance like nobody is watching.
5. Put clothes on that make you feel good even if you are at home. It’s as simple as when we look our best, we tend to feel our best.
6. Remember the basics eat, hydrate and relax, don’t lose structure to your day, make the same time for meals, getting up and going to sleep.
7. Try not to catastrophise, remove yourself from unhelpful conversations. We often spend a lot of time worrying about things that in all probability will never happen so try to be involved in positive conversations. Put your mental health first and remove yourself from conversations which just add to your anxieties and don’t dwell on what could have been done differently.
8. Stroke or cuddle a pet as this produces endorphins, if you haven’t got a pet then try to look at cute or funny pet pictures.
9. Take pride in lifting others up by paying compliments to family and friends as much as you can.
10. Maintain a sense of humour, laugher is the best medicine, read a humorous book, watch a funny movie, look at videos on tik tok, or relive some funny stories with your family and friends.

But most of all don’t get lost in worry, focus on what is in your control and remember nothing lasts for ever. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek advice from your GP or other mental health professionals.

I will be sharing more hints and tips on my Instagram (@yellowrose.hypnotherapy) and if you have any particular concerns please feel free to message me or book a free consultation 01733 571555.