In order to stem the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Government has announced a slew of circuit breaker measures.

In an unprecedented move, schools and non-essential workplaces and businesses have been ordered to close for a month.

Singaporeans are asked to stay home at all times unless they need to head out for essential purposes.

Working from home may have sounded like the dream when you had to jostle with the crowds during the morning commute.

However, it's a different story when you can't leave your house and do simple things like catch up with friends over a meal or watch a movie in the theatres.

Being at home 24/7 can also feel stifling if you are living with family members and find it difficult to get enough personal space.

While it is undoubtedly a must for us to stay home in order for the circuit breaker measures to work, we need to take care of our mental health.

Studies have shown that self-isolation can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, stress and depression.

Being confined to the same space for a prolonged period of time can also invoke negative emotions such as frustration and anger.

If you are finding it hard to cope with being cooped up at home all the time, here is a list of simple and practical things you can do to help you keep positive during this circuit breaker period.

Create a regular routine

Aim to wake up, eat and sleep at the same times every day.

It’s easy to lose track of time when you have to stay in the same place all day, and a regular routine can stop you from eating lunch at 5pm or binge-watching dramas until 4 in the morning.

You will feel more energetic and ready to take on the day instead of feeling lethargic and unmotivated.

Make your bed

When you wake up in the morning, the simple action of making your bed can go a long way in setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Accomplishing the first task of the day can put you in the right frame of mind and encourage you to continue doing the rest of your tasks.

Open your windows and draw your curtains

We get that it can be super uncomfortable if you are working or studying without air-conditioning when the weather gets hot.

However, try to open the windows whenever you can — it’s amazing how a little sunlight and fresh air can do wonders for your spirits. And if you are already feeling down, you don’t need your room to be gloomy too.

Do up a to-do list

Put all the tasks you need or want to do on a checklist. Ticking off daily goals can help you to feel accomplished and productive at the end of each day.

Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable

It’s great if dressing smartly gets you in the mood for work at home, but you should feel entitled to wear whatever makes you happy.

Feel more comfortable working at home in a slouchy t-shirt and FBT shorts? Just throw on a sharp blazer if you need to do a video conference call.

And feel free to get dressed up on the weekends even though you are not going anywhere if wearing something nice cheers you up.

Stay active

It can be tempting to just stay put in one position especially if you are feeling super comfy when you are doing work or watching Netflix.

However, you should get up and move around regularly to avoid falling into a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain and increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

Be it walking to the kitchen to grab a snack or standing at the window to take in the view, make it a habit to stretch your legs (and arms) whenever you can.

And if you don’t usually exercise, you should try to spend some time working out at home as you will probably be walking less than before when you had to travel out of the house.

Exercising is not only good for your health, but it can also put you in a good mood and help to reduce any tension that you are feeling.

Aim to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day.

Maintain social contact

It can be easy to lose touch with your friends when you are unable to meet them face to face and don’t message them frequently.

However, maintaining relationships during social isolation is good for your mental health.

Be it sharing an interesting piece of news or funny meme with friends over Whatsapp, or calling your parents to check in on them if you don’t live together, staying in touch with your loved ones can help lift your spirits.

You can also join online communities such as book clubs, or even watch a Facebook or Instagram live to feel connected to society.

Schedule ‘me-time’

Pen ‘me-time’ into your schedule because it’s nice to have something to look forward to. It’s also a reminder that you need to take a breather if you are having a stressful day.

Your self-care routine can include activities like burning scented candles, putting on a face mask, and curling up with a good book, or it can be as simple as taking the time to have a long hot shower.

‘Me-time’ can also include spending time on your hobby or learning a new skill. Focusing on something that you enjoy can help you to unwind and take your mind off things.

It can also help to add variety to your life and keep things interesting at home.

Help others

Be it supporting local businesses, making donations to charity funds and welfare organisations or checking in with elderly neighbours or friends who might be having a tough time at home, it can feel nice to be of service to someone and feel like you are able to do something good even in the midst of these challenging times.

Keep your mood up

If the constant news about Covid-19 is getting to you and causing you to feel overwhelmed and anxious, limit your news consumption and make it a rule to only spend say 30 minutes each day reading virus-related news.

You can also opt to sign up for the Gov.sg WhatsApp service to receive important updates straight from the Government so that you don’t need to keep checking social media for the latest news.

Instead, choose to watch shows that will make you laugh or feel good. You can also listen to upbeat and cheery music to keep you in a positive mood.

By surrounding yourself with positivity, it can help keep negative feelings at bay.

Be kind to yourself

Don’t beat yourself up if there are days when you feel like you are not doing your best at work.

Or if you just feel like vegging out on the couch instead of signing up for an online class. Or if you snapped at your siblings because they were getting on your nerves (remember to apologise later!).

Every one is trying to adjust to the new normal and it’s perfectly fine to have days when it feels like you are managing ok, and days when you are not.

There are times when you may get easily distracted, have difficulty focusing or have low motivation but that’s just part of the adjustment period.

Take things one day at a time — getting through this tough time is an achievement in itself.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

This article was first published in CLEO Singapore.