6 Inspiring Women On What Has Helped Their Mental Health During Lockdown

Bryony Gordon is a journalist, author and mental health campaigner.

'It’s really interesting because a lot of people I know who have had mental health issues have surprisingly been alright. I was fearing the worst but, actually, I feel I’ve been planning for this since I was about 12, worrying that ‘the world’s going to end’. So I like to think that people with mental health issues now are like the Avengers, we’re coming in with our superpowers to help everyone who isn’t used to being in crisis. We’re heroes.

'I've found routine really important because it can be so difficult to get lost and to let all the days blur into one. I exercise every day too but for my head, for the gains not the losses.

'I also have been listening to a woman called Sarah Blondin who does the most amazing guided medications that are great for people who don’t really do guided meditations.

'I’m trying to turn this time into a positive. Lockdown has put our lives under the microscope and it’s making me question what I want to return to and what I don’t want to. Try and see what the universe is telling you while you’re in this situation: Ask yourself if that friendship or relationship works, do I want to be working in an office? Have a think about it.

Also try as much as you can to have things to look forward to even if it’s just a zoom quiz with your mates or a socially distanced walk with a friend. Have one little thing to look forward to every day.

This is a tremendous learning curve for us, if we can get through this we can get through anything.'

Munroe Bergdorf is a model and transgender rights campaigner.

'Lockdown has definitely been a challenge when it comes to keeping on top of my mental health. It's been a stark reminder of how important it is to check in with myself and make sure that I'm communicating how I'm feeling with those around me. I've definitely found that it has brought me closer to my friends and family as a result.

'As we haven't been able to see each other in person, my parents have set 3pm on a Sunday as a time when we all check in on each other, regardless of what we have on. Simply being asked the questions "are you okay?" and "do you need anything?" has taken on a whole new gravitas in 2020. It's important to feel supported and thought of during these wild times. It's a small but significant gift we can give each other, to be reminded that we matter to those we miss and that we're in this together.'

Callie Thorpe is a positivity ambassador and the founder and host of @theconfidencecorner podcast

'Going for a bike ride on a sunny day is one of the best things for helping to adjust my mood. Being in nature with a steady, gentle movement and the beautiful breeze in my face does wonders. I love wild swimming too and can't wait to go when the restrictions are lifted. I bought myself an underwater mp3 a few years ago and it completely helped improve my mental health. When I’m in the water with a relaxing song playing, my mind becomes less busy and I feel so relaxed. The #wildswimming hashtag is a great one to follow on Instagram if you are looking for inspiration or to connect with others who love it too.

'When I’m feeling low and struggling with mental health I take the advice from one of my favourite ever TV shows Grey’s Anatomy. There’s a famous scene when two doctors who have had the absolute worst day decide to just "dance it out". It’s a game changer.

'I have a playlist called ‘dance in your pants’ of the best uplifting dance-around-your-living-room songs. When I need a boost I grab my husband, blast the tunes and just "dance it out."'

London-based designers Abi and Chloe run illustration platform Miss Gloria, creating artwork with a feminist, inclusive and positive message.

'During the pandemic, we've both found it to be an emotional roller coaster, with good and bad days. We've tried to create Miss Gloria graphics when we can, but have noticed isolation can sometimes stifle our creativity so we haven't forced it, and that's ok. We have tried not to feel bad about this by talking about it with each other.

'We both have our own coping mechanisms as well. Chloe likes to go for a run to relieve stress or at least a walk after finishing work to differentiate her day. She also has found writing in our group chat with our friends from home really helpful when she's feeling down, as everyone seems to be feeling the same way, it helps to know you're not alone.

'Abi has somehow managed to get into the habit of doing 25 minutes of yoga every morning with my housemate - despite being the worst morning person! Abi also loves cooking nice meals and going for walks around the local area.'

Charli Howard is a model, author and body positivity campaigner

'I find that on the days I do something creative for myself - whether it's doing an adult colouring book, baking, following an intense recipe or even shooting stuff for instagram - I'm far less anxious and feel a lot calmer mentally.

'In fact, while I was worried what this isolation period would do for my mental health, it's actually been a lot less difficult to deal with because I'm taking time for myself.'

Arooj Aftab is an illustrator and fashion diversity campaigner.

'I’m always trying to find what works for me and what doesn’t. It’s kind of up and down but I’ve begun to use art as a therapeutic way to express emotion and feel free.

'Accounts like @subliming.jpg on Instagram really help me, not only does it push you to have more self value but it also inspires my creativity. Dealing with my Neurofibromatosis, I’ve realised that following the right hashtags are key. I’ve actually avoided following hashtags that relate to the body as it used to make me compare, now I just look at some of the amazing positive news accounts on Instagram like @thehappynewspaper as they focus on positivity overall, rather than one specific thing which I’m trying to not let define me.

That said, I think reducing screen time is important and sometimes it’s okay just not to be doing anything at all.'