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Keeping mentally healthy when isolated or spending a lot of time at home

Posted 19 Mar 2020

Life can be tricky sometimes, it’s important we look after ourselves and take proactive steps to protect our mental health.

Here are some ideas of how you can try and keep mentally healthy when isolated, or spending a lot of time at home.

• FaceTime or Skype with a friend, work colleague or family member.
• Check in with the older adults in your life and see if you can help with anything.
• Keeping your brain active is important. Try a puzzle or research a new culture you’ve always wanted to know more about – you can even download apps for free that help you learn a new language!
• Work up a sweat and get active at home, you could even search for free online workout videos and ask members of your household to join in.
• Spring clean your house – it can be a great time to get those little jobs done.
• Clear out your wardrobe and put some bags of things aside ready to donate to charity.
• Start a journal, expressing your feelings and experience of the world at the moment.
• Start an online blog or get really creative and start a family newsletter!
• Text someone some kind words to boost their day.
• Take a break from social media, put your phone away for 24 hours.
• Get in touch with your creative side. Try some painting, photography or art – you could print off some of our colouring resources at home here.
• Share something positive or funny on social media to brighten others’ day.
• Do something to self-care – run yourself a bath, make yourself a cuppa and start a new book, or play your favourite game.
• Download a free meditation app and set yourself a goal to complete one meditation every day for a week.
• Find a charity online that you feel passionate about and make a donation – whatever you can contribute makes a difference!
• Get some fresh air – spend some time outside in your backyard, do some gardening or go for a short walk around your neighbourhood.
• Ask for help– if you need groceries, help with medications, or someone to talk to, reach out and let someone know.
• Listen to a podcast, this is a great way to learn about new things, have a laugh and can get you thinking!
• Do some baking. Whether you’re cooking solo or have some helpers, this is a great way to get creative and spend some time focusing on the task at hand.
• Listen to your favourite songs, or even create a new playlist and explore some new music genres.
• Maintain a healthy diet and try some new healthy recipes.

For more resources on how to look after your mental health when isolated or spending time at home, visit:

Beyond Blue

World Health Organisation

Headspace

Lifeline

WA Association for Mental Health

Black Dog Institute

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for free counselling or Lifeline in a mental health crisis on 13 11 14.