Six daily questions to ask yourself during lockdown

As the coronavirus pandemic continues and efforts to “flatten the curve” through social distancing intensify, many of us find ourselves isolating at home. The physical isolation and sudden departure from familiar routines can be jarring and disorienting.

It can help to take a few minutes to gather our thoughts and stay grounded during what is a stressful time. Here are six questions we can ask ourselves to help with our personal wellbeing.

1. What am I grateful for today?

There’s absolutely no harm in reminding ourselves of the good things we have in life. Even when times are tough, we can still remember that there are people who care about us and that we have come a long way. This is known as the ‘gratitude attitude’. Simply put, it’s counting our blessings. However, it does go further than that.

One study from the University of Pennsylvania found that people who wrote and delivered a heartfelt ‘thank you’ letter actually felt happier for a full month after, and the same researchers discovered that writing down three positive events each day for a week kept happiness levels high for up to six months.

You could start a ‘gratitude diary’. If you write down the positive things that have happened to you, it keeps them fresh in the memory and acknowledges their existence. Gradually, our brains become trained to recognise the good things that happen to us. We eventually focus on the positive events and dwell less on negativity.

2. Who am I checking in on, or connecting with, today?

As many have rightly reframed it, it’s not social distance we need, but rather social solidarity while we maintain physical distance. Social relationships have always been vital for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health.

Pick three people each day to check in on. Even though we can’t see them face to face, technology can keep us connected. We can always phone grandparents, FaceTime our parents and text our friends. Maybe you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours that you could check up on?

3. What expectations of “normal” am I letting go of today?

The closure of pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops was a few weeks ago. The schools are now closed except for children of key workers. We must queue outside supermarkets due to social distancing measures. We can’t see our friends and family outside our house in person, and must stay two metres apart from anyone we pass outside.

Just a few weeks ago, this would have seemed an impossible situation. But just think about how you’ve changed your mindset to accept this has to be the case for the time being. This is the “new normal”. Take some time to appreciate how well you’ve adapted, and remember, it won’t be forever.

4. How am I getting outside today?

Nature, fresh air, and sunshine are good for us. While not all of us may be able to go for longer walks, simply leaving the house is helpful for our mental health. A short break from being inside will provide a sometimes much needed change of scenery. Even a short walk around the block will help.

If you feel you can’t leave the house, could you sit in the sun for a few minutes in your garden? Even if you cannot physically get outside, think about opening a window to let some fresh air in. If you can bring some flowers inside, do so. If you’re working from home, taking some time outside after the working day has finished can provide a clear break between working hours and your own time.

5. What exercise can I get today?

Getting outside to take in some fresh air can go hand in hand with your daily exercise. Although gyms are currently closed, anyone with a regular exercise routine can still go for a walk, run or bike ride of a reasonable length, as long as we maintain social distancing measures of two metres or more from others. 

We don’t even need to leave the house to exercise. There are many home workout exercise routines on YouTube that can help us keep active during lockdown.

6. Is there anything I can learn today?

It pays to try something new, as it helps you feel good about yourself. It’s something that you (and only you) have control over. Psychologically, if we’re able to learn something new, we see it as a success. This success builds confidence and self-esteem. 

With more time spent at home, could you use this time to discover something new? It doesn’t necessarily need to be an academic subject or anything heavy. It could even be a skill, such as some DIY or learning a musical instrument. As long as it’s something you didn’t know before, it will be fulfilling and good for wellbeing.

What questions would you add to the list? Let us know!