The rituals that have helped us cope with lockdown.

With the UK in and out of lockdown, this past year has felt longer than ever. Whether its long country walks, experimenting in the kitchen or catching up with family and friends online, we’ve all found different ways of coping in this confusing and difficult time. But thankfully, as the weather warms and the days become longer, it finally feels as though the end is in sight.

Here are some of the simple rituals that have helped the team at Elä Life to accept and even thrive in lockdown, plus some ideas to help you feel focused and positive during the final few months.

Take a bath

The ultimate alone time, a long soak in a hot bath can be just what you need after a long day at your laptop. The combination of warm water and the calming scent of bath salts is the perfect way to tell your body to relax, allowing you to let go of the day. And, for other ways to recreate a spa experience at home read our helpful guide.

Read a book

Wrap yourself in a blanket, tuck yourself in a corner, open up a good book and escape. Even if you can only manage a few pages between a busy schedule, the chance to explore another world is an amazing way to shut off any feelings of stress and overwhelm. Plus, anytime away from a screen is a bonus.

Try journalling

If you don’t feel like reading everyday, give journaling a go. Just five minutes to plan your day, list the things you are grateful for or jot down some positive affirmations will help you feel centred, focused and ready to take on the day. Try our Pause Journal  as soon as you wake up in the morning, or right before you sleep at night.

Get outside

With the weather brightening up, it is easier than ever to get outside and take a long deep breath of fresh air. Whether it’s a gentle jog or a quick walk to pick up some milk, getting outside every day is a great way to get your body moving, to give yourself some headspace and enjoy some all-important vitamin C.

Get moving

Sitting stationary at a desk can leave you feeling uninspired and lethargic. Moving your body is key for shaking off negative energy and allowing your creativity to flow. Try an energetic walk, some nourishing yoga or even just a dance around the kitchen; anything that gets your body moving and your blood pumping is good enough.

Get some space

As working from home becomes the norm for most of us, it’s more important than ever to separate your work and home space. If possible, keep all work related items separate from your relaxing spaces, set an alarm to remind yourself to stop work in good time in the evenings and avoid screens and emails at the weekends.

Stick to a routine

Whatever your work situation, keeping to a simple routine can help you feel focused and motivated. Get up early and start the day properly, move your body, have regular breaks, enjoy regular nutritious meals, cut down on caffeine, take moments of self-care, try new things, anything goes…

We don’t have long to wait until a sense of normality can return, but the rituals and routines that have helped over the past year are positive practices to take forward into the rest of your life. By looking after yourself now, creating healthy habits and listening to your body, you will be able to apply the same rituals whatever the world throws at us.