Photo credit: Samantha Lutes.
Covid-19 has been one of the most life altering experiences for a lot of us. Three national lockdowns, each one nastier than the next, brought significant negative mental impacts for pretty much everyone I know.
More research is being done about what the Covid impact has truly been like for over-50s’ mental wellbeing. Researchers at the University of Exeter and King’s College London studied data from over 3000 people aged 50 and above. The studies showed there has been a definite decline in mental health for this age group, with loneliness spiking and symptoms of anxiety and depression worsening.
When trapped indoors all day, it’s hard to find motivation to do work. I know for me procrastination is my true lockdown enemy. As someone with an anxiety disorder, it’s been an upward struggle to cope with all the gloom and doom that seems to be lurking around every corner of lockdown. This time has definitely given me some more inspiration on ways to improve my mental wellbeing domestically.
Photo credit: Samantha Lutes. Leavesden Country Park, one of Samantha's regular walking routes.
I know it’s not an end all cure, but going out on a walk, or any outdoor exercise, really can give a major boost to my emotions. There’s something about fresh air that is like a shot of adrenaline for me and gives a sense of motivation.
Going out for your daily exercise can also kill two birds with one stone. In that way it’s a great (and lockdown approved!) way to connect with people. My mum, 54, has found that going on walks with me is a great way to decompress from her key worker job.
Photo credit: Samantha Lutes. Samantha and her mum.
The mental health charity, Mind, even recommends it as a quick wellbeing boost, with it being an easily accessible way to help yourself out when it comes to mental issues.
For more advice on mental health visit the NHS website.
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