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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis sounds like such a basic task but waking up early and starting the day off clean and clothed makes me feel so much better. Even if I am feeling sluggish and unproductive, doing this every morning \u2013 even if I do not feel like it \u2013 means that I have at least accomplished one thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Treat yourself as you would a friend.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt is very easy to spiral into a self-criticising cycle of self-loathing when we are isolated with only ourselves for company. One way of tackling these thoughts is to meditate \u2013 one technique that the app Headspace teaches is labelling. When your brain tells you something negative or horrible, or you feel a certain way label it \u2018thought\u2019 or \u2018feeling.\u2019 Although simple, after doing this for a while your brain reprograms, and you will find that these thoughts become quieter and hold less weight in your mind. (Headspace is free with a student Spotify)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Listen to your body.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you are feeling really burnt out and simply cannot move \u2013 give yourself the day off! There is no point in forcing yourself to stare at your screen not taking anything in for hours. You will be more productive if you give yourself time to breathe. If you feel like sleeping \u2013 do it. If you feel like binging a tv series \u2013 do it. It is so important to let yourself have a break, especially while stuck in lockdown as many of us feel like we must be working all the time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Exercise!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis has been scientifically proven to help your mental health. With gyms closed you may be wondering how you can do this. Running is a great option and is so rewarding \u2013 try couch to 5k if you are a beginner (I did this last lockdown; I could not run for more than a minute and I am now running 10k! It works honestly!) If running really is not your thing, there are loads of workouts on YouTube. You can also buy weights online, which may be an option if you have cash to burn. Walking and cycling are also great, and with access to Next bikes, Cardiff is your oyster. The dose of fresh air and physical exertion is essential to your mental wellbeing \u2013 even if you are not feeling up to it, take yourself out for a short walk every day, you will be amazed by how much better you start to feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Set yourself a timetable.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n
It is so easy to start the day thinking you will be productive and end up staring at your screen for five hours having written one sentence. Map out how long you want to study, use an app like Focus to force yourself to work for a specific period and when the timer goes \u2013 have a break! This means that you do not waste time and breaks up your day more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Take up a hobby.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith no access to the outside world right now, many people are finding it difficult to do anything other than work \u2013 what else is there but Netflix? Lots. You could draw, paint, crochet, knit, make jewellery, write, photography, read, cook, chess, games night with your housemates \u2013 there are so many things you could do. You must realise that you are not going to master anything immediately, skills take time so do not be put off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Make time to facetime loved ones.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Lockdown can be a lonely time. Everyone is in the same boat and often find it difficult to reach out. Even if you do not feel like it, sometimes it can be good to force yourself into social situations (even if it is over a screen now). If you start to feel overwhelmed, you can always make an excuse – with Virgin WIFI in Cathays it is understandable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a gratitude journal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Having suffered with depression and anxiety throughout my university experience, I have found that keeping a gratitude journal in general has helped my mental health massively. In times such as these, keeping hold of those positive thoughts are so important and often make me realise that my day has not been as bad as I thought it had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Take a break from screens.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While this is easier said than done now, finding ways to disengage from your screens \u2013 even just for a few hours \u2013 can make such a difference. This is when your new-fangled hobbies can take centre stage and you can engage with the world outside of a blue-lit rectangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Get enough sleep.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Try turning your phone off at 10pm and get yourself ready to sleep\/wind down for 11. This gives you plenty of time to sleep which is necessary to ensure your mood, productivity, and general well-being for the next day. A healthy sleep pattern is important for general mental health but in lockdown, when it sometimes feels as if there\u2019s no point in getting up \u2013 having a good sleep pattern can give you a base structure on which to build your day on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope this has helped, burnout can be a depressing and lonely experience. Most of the population are currently experiencing it or have experienced it so you are not alone. If you are really struggling it is a good idea to talk to a professional, either a Cardiff service or a counsellor on an app (BetterHelp has been recommended by many people).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Get enough sleep.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Take a break from screens.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a gratitude journal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Make time to facetime loved ones.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Take up a hobby.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Set yourself a timetable.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n
- Exercise!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Listen to your body.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n