I’ve just read an article stating that forty-two percent of us are having a tough time getting to sleep at the moment.  Anxiety is keeping us awake; it’s the primal part of our brains, which alerts us to fear, that hasn’t “switched off” for almost a year.

We’re existing in a pandemic and have known nothing like it before. I’ve heard the phrase “groundhog day” mentioned several times as people still try to adjust their brains to our restricted living.

But these emotions are the tip of the iceberg, because depression, fear and worry are distracting our minds further: the worry of COVID, on top of loss of income, or trying to work or study at home.

Such heightened emotions are not sustainable; against the odds, we need to try to keep things as simple as possible in order to protect our mental wellbeing.

If your brains are feeling frazzled, make a list of all the things that are causing you stress. Once you can see them listed, grade them out of ten and remember that you can only control your actions and your words. If you’re worried over a utilities bill, for instance, or have other debts, set aside time to make calls to arrange payment plans. If you’re worried over an assignment deadline, contact your tutors – they’ll understand. If there is a dispute among your family or friends, the chances are, that it is out of your control. If it’s not, then use the same approach – grade it and set time aside to action it when you’re feeling in a stronger mood.

We need to simplify our lives now, because post lockdown there will doubtless be many new aspects of life which could threaten your wellbeing. Creating a simple grading system to help deal with your worries will stand you in good stead for our new era.