If you’ve finally run out of jigsaws, solved sudoku and gone cross-eyed from crosswords, why not try something a little different and challenge us and fellow game players with a few games of your own?
After all, we might all be on physical lockdown, but that doesn’t mean our brains need to shut down too. Which is why we post a couple of quizzes/brainteasers each week on our social media pages. Just for fun, it’s our way of keeping connected with you, as well as providing a mental challenge – all from the safety of staying at home.
We also want you to send us your ideas for quizzes, games or mind benders that we can share online so we can keep these going. So, whether you’re a budding quizmaster, riddle king or brain teaser taskmaster, we want you to send us your best ideas and we’ll post them on social media for everyone to enjoy.
In the meantime, here’s why it’s crucial to keep our minds active and busy, now more than ever, and what we can do to keep a cool head in the current coronavirus crisis.
Be busy, be happy
Being physically active might be almost impossible right now but you can still stay mentally busy. Challenging yourself, whether it’s learning a new skill or brushing up on an old one, can keep our grey matter active and alert.
Concentrating on something new not only gives you a distraction from the ever-present pandemic, but you’ll eventually have a well-honed talent to show off when it’s all over. It will also (albeit temporarily) help you re-focus your thoughts so, instead of brooding about what you can’t do, your mind is centred around what you’re learning or doing right now. It might not seem that big a deal, but it can help you feel more positive – which is only ever a good thing.
Be calm, be collected
Most of us are used to rushing around and generally being able to go where we want, when we want. To say that confinement is a shock to the system would be an understatement and the change in routine can make even the most positive of us feel down, so here’s what you can do to keep on top of your mental and emotional wellbeing:
Stick to (some sort of) a routine – routines (no matter how dull) give us a sense of purpose so try to schedule something regular into it. Whether that means a short morning run, a yoga session at home, taking a coffee break in the garden or simply looking out of an open window – doing something regularly will give you a sense of purpose and stop you being overwhelmed by the day ahead.
Spring clean – decluttering can be incredibly cathartic even if you don’t feel like it. Sorting out all your odds and ends will also put you back in control which is important because, when you feel you can’t control what’s going on around you, it can lead to feelings of hopelessness – plus, you’ll end up with a super tidy and organised house.
Be mindful – part of mindfulness is about slowing down. This could be as simple as taking the opportunity to breathe slowly, or even meditate if you already practice this. But slowing down your breathing can calm anxiety and has also been proven to control panic attacks in some people.
Be thankful – easier said than done, especially if you’ve been hit hard on the job or health front, but try to think of the positive – writing just one good thing down at the end of each day can help re-focus your thoughts. Is your health ok? Did someone wave at you today? Or, perhaps the sun is shining – seeing and feeling the sun, even from a window or balcony is something to be grateful for.
Whatever your situation, stay hopeful and positive, and we look forward to seeing you soon.