How well are you coping with the lockdown?

The key to how well we come out of the Covid-19 lockdown period depends on how well we get through it. Wellbeing, both physical and mental, is crucial at every step of the way. But how well are you managing? To answer this, I have designed a self-scoring test to help you ask yourself the right questions.

1. I am keeping myself to a routine every day so that I can maintain a sense of purpose.

2. I am keeping up social contact online or by phone with family, friends and/or neighbours.

3. I am eating well but in moderation and making sure I do not over-indulge in high fat/sugar foods.

4. I am getting my daily allowable exercise out of doors while observing social distancing.

5. I am keeping my alcohol intake at moderate levels.

6. I have a particular routine that relaxes me (reading, yoga, meditation, listening to/playing music, creative or spiritual/faith activity).

7. I do not stay up too late and I try to get at least 8 hours sleep every night.

8. I am keeping my social media and mainstream news consumption to the minimum needed to stay factually informed.

9. If I feel depressed, isolated or anxious I have a friend/relation/therapist who I can speak to online or by phone.

10. I believe that this pandemic will end eventually and that normal life will resume.

11. If I get angry, irritable, annoyed or frustrated with those sharing my living space I manage to deal with it in a non-confrontational way.

12. I know others (neighbours/family/friends) who are vulnerable during this time and I make sure I offer them my practical support while staying safe.

Score 240-360 – coping well.

Score 120-240 – coping marginally well.

Score 0-120 – not coping well.

© Dr Kevin Murphy, 2020.