You may be worried about Coronavirus and how this could affect your life, this may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people. This might feel difficult or stressful and can cause particular challenges for people living with mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety or depression, especially those that have health anxiety or OCD. 

Social distancing and self-isolation can be really hard to deal with. It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated or bored, and if you’re worried about the effect it will have on your mental health, you are not alone. 

Our VLE support page has information and tips to help look after your mental health and well-being during this difficult time. 

• Try to follow an ordinary routine as much as possible - Get up at the same time as normal, follow your usual morning routine, try to go to sleep at the same time. Set alarms if this helps you manage time throughout the day. Plan your day and try to find activities to keep your mind stimulated: read books, play games/puzzles, arts and crafts, learn to cook/bake or even jobs around the house!
• Keep Active - Build physical activity into your daily routine, you may be used to walking to university or the shops. As most of us don't have gym equipment at home you can make exercise at home simple e.g. cleaning your house, going up and down the stairs or follow online workouts. Follow Joe Wicks and stream his youtube channel for 30 minutes exercise every morning. 
• Stay connected - It's important to keep talking and having interaction with family and friends, make plans to call / video chat family and friends. 
• Eat well and stay hydrated

If you would like to speak to someone or ask for any advice email us at: support@futureworks.ac.uk