ANNA MAYCOCK-FRAME: LOCKDOWN LOWDOWN

For me one of the most important things is treats.

It doesn’t matter if it’s sweets or a packet of crisps. Just make sure you have something in, that instantly lifts your spirits. One of my personal favourites is green tea.
Some might call it an odd choice but I love it.

My second tip is to stay creative. Creativity will help you pass the time during lockdown as well as support your mental health. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

1. Writing: short story, poem, article – the options are endless.
2. Drawing: why not improve your drawing? Create a still life or sketch a plant. Hell why not make it up?
3. Why not do a crazy photo shoot? You can enlist your household – be it people, animal or plant based. Or grab a toy dinosaur and a tube of lipstick and see where things go….

My third tip is: crank the music and dance like there’s no tomorrow.

Or if you’re feeling tired put on a gentle, slow tune and swing your hips.
Just make sure you enjoy the song in question. And you’re also getting some exercise and endorphins.
What’s not to love?

My fourth tip is stay in contact with people.
It doesn’t matter if it’s friends or family or work colleagues. Just make sure you stay in touch.

1. Why not try writing letters or cards?
   It will make for a nice surprise and give you something to do.
2. Phone calls.
   Hearing others is so important as it reminds us that we are not alone. And can be a great source of comfort.
3. Chatting to people out of the window.
   Obviously this one will only work in certain buildings and only if your neighbours are willing. And of course it goes without saying that you must be careful. Protect the NHS people!
   We don’t want any unnecessary visits to A and E.
4. Zoom.
   Yep, let’s get the old interwebs fired up. Why not host a Netflix chill session with your mates? Or have a weekly dinner with the family

And finally, my biggest and in many ways my hardest tip for you all.

If you are lucky enough to have a furry friend hug them long and hug them hard, but not too hard. Speaking as someone who lost her beloved dog on the 2nd May 2020 there really is nothing better than a big long cuddle with a furry friend.

But don’t just take my word for it.

Science has for a long time shown us the importance of physical contact both in terms of our development and emotional well-being.

There is also a lot of research out there that indicates that helping others “small acts of kindness” can be vastly beneficial to both the giver and receiver.

In these circumstances that might mean smiling at people out of the window, checking in with loved ones or making PPE.

And to finish l thought I’d leave you with a quote from the master of happiness and inner peace The Dalai Lama

“HAPPINESS IS NOT SOMETHING READY MADE. IT COMES FROM YOUR OWN ACTIONS.”

Anna Maycock-Frame
Metaphysical Mountain Climber, Mental Health Warrior
and Mermaid Photographer.
Artist, poet and blogger.
Happy cafe host.
@annascreativemoments
@annaspositivemoments