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.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
2. I am keeping up social contact online or by phone with family, friends and/or neighbours.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
3. I am eating well but in moderation and making sure I do not over-indulge in high fat/sugar foods.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
4. I am getting my daily allowable exercise out of doors while observing social distancing.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
5. I am keeping my alcohol intake at moderate levels.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
6. I have a particular routine that relaxes me (reading, yoga, meditation, listening to/playing music, creative or spiritual/faith activity).
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
7. I do not stay up too late and I try to get at least 8 hours sleep every night.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
8. I am keeping my social media and mainstream news consumption to the minimum needed to stay factually informed.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
9. If I feel depressed, isolated or anxious I have a friend/relation/therapist who I can speak to online or by phone.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
10. I believe that this pandemic will end eventually and that normal life will resume.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
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.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
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.
Mostly
30 points
Sometimes
20 points
Very little
10 points
Score 240-360 – coping well.
Score 120-240 – coping marginally well.
Score 0-120 – not coping well.
© Dr Kevin Murphy, 2020.