ROUTINE is key to keeping your mental health in good shape, according to one Swindon expert.

Co-founder of Men’s Mental Health Swindon Alex Pollock spoke out in a bid to support those struggling with anxiety, stress, depression and other mental illnesses.

Alex told the Adver it is perfectly normal to be feeling strange living under the new restrictions.

He said: “With our everyday lives being a little different at present, it’s perfectly natural to be finding it all a bit tough.

“It’s really important we do all we can to take proactive steps in keeping our mental fitness up, and also mindful of those around us and how they’re taking care of their wellbeing.

“Even with the adjustments, I’m pre-planning every day as best I can to ensure there’s a routine I can stick to.

“As tempting as it might be to laze around, a routine is essential for our identity, self-confidence and purpose.

"I’m planning my working from home day, breaks, some time out for exercise, and my meals.”

Under government guidelines, people are allowed out of their homes to exercise once daily.

Alex added: “It’s vitally important we all try to move more each day and staying active, to reduce stress levels and help us be more alert.

“There is a direct correlation between our physical health and our mental wellbeing, and even just an hour’s walk each day can really have significant benefits.

“And if you need a break from everything around the house, see if it’s possible to half an hour for yourself in a different room and dive into a book, put a music playlist on, or try some form of meditation or mindfulness.

“Life as we’ve known it is changing day-by-day, and many of us will be feeling anxious.

"But it is important to remember it’s okay to feel like this, and the situation is temporary.”

The guidance, from Public Health England, sets out principles to follow including maintaining contact with friends and family.

Group video calls and virtual activities such as pub quizzes have increased in the past few weeks to entertain those feeling lonely.

“It’s important that we all stay connected with our friends and family as best we can,” said Alex.

“I’m speaking to loved ones on a daily basis, whether that be in a WhatsApp group, a video call, or just a quick telephone call. And it’s always worth remembering that it’s okay to share your worries and concerns with loved ones.

"Hopefully, this will help you and could potentially help them also. Supporting others can be really beneficial for our mental fitness.”

Life coach Rachel Smith, from Stratton St Margaret, said it is important for people to be aware of the impact the coronavirus crisis is having on their mental health.

She said: “Everyone deals with stress so differently.

"You can have one person who wants to never get out of bed due to the worry of what may happen, to another who pretends nothing is happening.

“In some way, coronavirus has impacted all of our lives, this impact may be large or small.”

The government has announced a £5 million grant, which will be administered by Mind, to support people dealing with mental health illness.

Chief executive of Mind Paul Farmer said: “We are facing one of the toughest times for our mental wellbeing as a nation. “It is absolutely vital that people pull together and do all they can to look after themselves and their loved ones when we are all facing a huge amount of change and uncertainty.

“Charities like Mind have a role to play in helping people cope not only with the initial emergency but coming to terms with how this will affect us well into the future.”

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