How to cope this Autumn and Winter

Getting through a second wave will be undoubtedly tough, but there are ways that we can make it that little bit more bearable.

HOW TO COPE THIS AUTUMN & WINTER

By Dr Lynda Shaw, neuroscientist, business psychologist and change specialist.

Most of us have been learning to adjust 2. Set goals to reach by the to the ‘new normal’ of living with new year. Set small, realistic Covid-19 and for many of us this goals and work towards them. summer meant being able to re- Setting overly ambitious goals socialise a little with friends and family may leave you feeling worse if - albeit with social distancing – which you don’t achieve them. Start gave us a much needed boost. However, it is evident that off with something like learning coronavirus is here to stay for now and as the colder a new skill or exercising a bit months are nearing, many of us are wondering how we more. You might just feel better will cope this winter and whether Christmas will be for it and it will give you positive spent with our families. This uncertainty coupled with a reinforcement when you reach collective disheartenment and mental fatigue has led many your goals. of us to figuratively hit a wall so how can we best cope? It is normal to feel as though you are running out of steam, overwhelmed or just generally fed up – we all are! Getting through a second wave will be undoubtedly tough, but there are ways that we can make it that little bit more bearable. Here are some tips on how to cope this autumn and winter:3. There is no shame in asking for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment, it is important that you know you are not alone. Speak to a GP for medical advice or a friend or family member. Having a chat 1. Treat others with kindness. During these uncertain with someone who knows you times many of us will be feeling confused and anxious. well can often give you a more

In response to these feelings, our stress hormones rise reasoned way of looking at which prevent us from sleeping properly, leaving us things and they may have feeling more irritable and shorter tempered. Try and some good advice on how you be empathetic towards how others are doing this time personally can best cope during and treat each other with kindness. these times. 4. Make plans but be flexible. Most of us work better with structure so continue to plan and build new routines where possible. We do not react well to ‘the unknown’ and research shows that uncertainty is scarier to humans than known, bad outcomes. The body responds to threats by releasing stress hormones to narrow down our focus in order to concentrate on survival.

Right now we don’t know how lockdown restrictions will change or when these will be put in place.

The best way to get ready for any change is to stay nimble, pencil in plans, have a routine but be flexible and prepare to adapt.

5. Be flexible about Christmas

too. Many of us are already thinking about the current restrictions in place and how these will influence the coming holidays. Christmas is too far away to make predictions now, so all we can do at the moment is try and remain flexible. Ultimately,

Christmas is all about togetherness but that might be slightly different this year. Have a plan A and plan

B for how this might be achieved and try to feel grateful and happy for the family time you can spend whatever way that will be.

6. Keep a positive attitude.

Research shows that positivity is contagious and positive people achieve better outcomes, so approach the coming months with as much optimism and good grace as possible to benefit your mental health. Positivity also rubs off on people, especially children, so find things to laugh about with friends and family. Focus on the good things and show gratitude for them.

7. Keep feelings of stress at

bay through exercise. Stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol can negatively impact our body which can lead to increased blood pressure, muscle tension, insomnia, headaches and depression. Physical exercise can help to combat this. Find ways to be physically active.

Search for local walking routes and for indoor exercise ideas, look for online Tai Chi or Pilates classes. Not only will you improve your fitness, flexibility and balance, but it may well impact your mood.

8. Maintain a healthy sleep

schedule. Stress is the most common cause of sleep loss in the UK. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep can also reduce our physical health and it is vital that we protect our immune system during the coming months.

9. Avoid fake news. The news is inherently depressing at the moment so reading and listening to false stories and negative opinions will only leave you feeling more overwhelmed. Stress hormones decrease your rationality and critical thinking, making you more susceptible to believing inaccurate information. Avoid listening to other’s ‘strong opinions’ and check for official advice.

10.Try not to worry about the ‘what if’s. Worrying about worse-case scenarios is unhelpful. Try to limit this as much as possible. Whilst we think that working through these thoughts may end up proving beneficial in the long run, it can actually just leave you feeling more stressed than you were before. Focus on the now.

When you wake up, smile and hug yourself. Today could be a really good day. n

www.drlyndashaw.com

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UPDATE

Lockdown boosted neighbourliness and trust, but experts warn that those who need support the most are missing out

Half of people in their 50s and 60s say they feel more trusting of their neighbours as a result of lockdown, according to a new study, while almost half report feeling a greater sense of belonging to their local area and two thirds saying they know more people they could count on to help if they were ill or unable to leave their home. However, those who are financially less well-off or those with long-term health conditions or illnesses are least likely to have felt these benefits.

Anna Dixon, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:

“The first lockdown was extremely difficult for many of us, but better connections to our neighbours has been one of the silver linings. Our research shows that the experience of lockdown increased people’s feelings of trust in their neighbours and their sense of belonging to their local area. More people also now know people they can count on to help out if they need it. “But it’s worrying to see that people with longterm health conditions or those who are less well-off haven’t experienced these benefits as much. They are less likely to have found people they can count on for support, and less likely to know about voluntary organisations they could turn to. “As many parts of the country begin to face tighter restrictions, it’s vital that action is taken to ensure that people don’t miss out on the support and connections they need. “The response of communities during lockdown was incredible, but we need government to support community organisations and charities to reach and engage people in poorer communities to mobilise this mutual support.”

Living in a retirement development offers security and companionship for women living alone

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NOW RETIREMENT READY

You long for the freedom retirement decided to give her local branch a try. oldest friendly societies and offers friendship affords when working. But when the time “Everyone made us feel welcome. I’m a very and support to 43,500 members across its 121 comes, and the daily structure disappears, friendly person but I’m not the sort to hang branches. Membership costs from £25 per year. changes to routine can feel less welcome. around if I don’t like somewhere. As soon as Despite social restrictions, Oddfellows branches are 66-year-old Barbara from Lincolnshire (centre) was we walked in we felt at home.” still running online activities and Covid-19 Secure forced to give up the job she loved after a fall at The Oddfellows is one of the UK’s largest and meet-ups for members to stay in touch. There are work. She entered retirement group holidays planned for 2021, in much earlier than expected and addition to supportive benefits which wasn’t quite ready to give up include care and welfare advice. the buzz of a busy working life. Barbara’s adds: “Life’s too short to “I didn’t want to be one of be sat doing nothing, whether you those people who woke up are retired or not. I never thought every morning, had a coffee I’d say this but being retired is and just filled my time with great. The Oddfellows and the mundane day-to-day tasks,” friends I’ve made there have Barbara explains. played a huge part in this.” She first heard about the To receive a free Oddfellows Oddfellows after meeting information pack, call someone on holiday who was 0800 028 1810, or visit a member and, on her return, www.oddfellows.co.uk/retirement.