Now that we are all self-isolating and not able to go about with our normal routines, it’s natural that we might feel more anxious or agitated, especially if we are seeing the same people day after day. It’s also likely that you’re more aware of your moods than ever, but there are lots of things that can affect your mood and keeping them in check can really help you become more calm and balanced, during these uncertain times.

1. The media you consume

While it is obviously great to keep up to date with the latest regulations and plans the government are making around the Corona virus, having the news on all day in the background, reading constant updates on social media and via whatsapp groups can really send your mind into a frenzy. Take a break from the constant news stream and let yourself get consumed by other fun things too!

2. What you are eating

The food situation has been a stressful one since the news of Corona broke, but when you are at home and if you have the choice, try to eat as healthily as possible. It is easy to eat crisps and chocolates throughout the day, especially when you’re at home, but making regular healthy meals can really affect how you feel in the hours after.

3. How much you’ve slept

It is tempting to get into bad habits when you have no set time to get up each morning however making sure you are getting enough sleep is vital to keeping your moods on an even keel. If you know you need a solid 8 hours try to go to sleep at a good time, so you aren’t awoken by other people in your house before because that’s a guaranteed way to make you irritable.

4. How much you’ve moved your body

Being limited to just your house makes it SUPER EASY to lay around in bed all day, moving only from bed to couch and back again. But, if you do that it’s an easy way to ensure you will end up feeling low. Setting up time each day to make sure your body moves, whether it’s an online exercise class (like the ones UNiDAYS puts on each day on instagram live) or just going for a walk (with the people in your house only and remaining 2 meters away from anyone else) it’ll help you feel better.

5. Whether you’ve organised your thoughts

Just because you’re self-isolating doesn’t mean your brain isn’t thinking about lots of things, like it normally is. It could be that it’s worrying about how you will study in a busy house, how to fill your time or missing your friends. Journaling or writing lists are a great way to organise your thoughts and make sure that your head feels clear. Afterall, a stressed mind can impact your mood heavily.