Mind How You Go..

As readers worry about the impact of isolation, here are answers to some of your questions

- Dr Miriam Stoppard

The strain of being self- isolated or in lockdown is affecting millions of us. And with the prospect of being stuck in our houses for the foreseeable future, anxiety levels are building for many.

So, to help you deal with what lies ahead, Dr Miriam Stoppard reveals her answers to the questions we are all asking about our mental health and wellbeing...

Q I use exercise to help my moods so I am worried this situation is going to be very hard to deal with. What else can I do?

A You can still use exercise to help your moods because we’re all able to go outside once a day, though you’ll need to maintain social distancing. There are also lots of exercises you can do at home – suppleness exercises, balance exercises, running up and down stairs.

Plus, you can do some simple yoga exercises and find full workouts on YouTube.

Personal trainer Joe Wicks is doing a live 30-minute exercise routine Monday to Friday at 9am on YouTube, which you can do with him in real time or any other time.

Q I’m feeling very anxious and don’t know how to cope. Everywhere I turn there is more terrifying news about coronavirus. What coping techniques might work?

A Talking to family and friends is one of the best ways of relieving anxiety. A trouble shared is a trouble halved. Set up certain times a day when you’ll Skype or FaceTime different members of the family and friends. There are also lots of apps that would help you, on meditation, mindfulness, stress relief and deep relaxation.

Q The thought of having to stay in my home for up to 12 weeks terrifies me. I cannot stand being cooped up. I don’t think I’ll be able to manage going out once a day.