{"id":80111,"date":"2020-05-05T19:19:18","date_gmt":"2020-05-06T03:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=80111"},"modified":"2020-05-06T01:44:29","modified_gmt":"2020-05-06T09:44:29","slug":"how-to-boost-mental-health-in-lockdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/how-to-boost-mental-health-in-lockdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Tips Revealed: How to Boost Mental Health in Lockdown"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Many of us have our own hacks for managing mental health, but how do they fare in lockdown? In these unprecedented times, we\u2019re all having to adapt to a new way of living, and with that, new ways of managing our wellbeing, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In these trying times, and with social interaction being largely off limits, it\u2019s important we give our brains that extra bit of love. While experts have been calling self-isolation \u2018a mental health crisis waiting to happen\u2019, there are some ways that we can strengthen our emotional regulation and cognitive abilities through simple daily practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specialist lawyers Bolt Burdon Kemp have released a Mental Health Training guide<\/a>, with some top tips for boosting your brain health \u2013 all from the comfort of our own homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Let the music play<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    When we\u2019re spending a lot of time at home, this leaves a lot of time to think. And, amid a global pandemic, this isn\u2019t always a good thing \u2013 perhaps even leading to feelings of anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. Music, as it turns out, is a great way to turn the \u2018on\u2019 switch off, stilling our brain, while keeping it active at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    According to Elizabeth Nightingale, a neurologic music therapist at Chiltern Music Therapy, \u201cPlaying music is the best form of exercise for our brains.\u201d Further to this, Bernice Chu \u2013 a music therapist at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability \u2013 goes on to explain that \u201clistening to music releases endorphins in our brain, boosting people\u2019s moods, and evoking emotions and memories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And is classical music always better? As Chu points out \u201cthe idea that classical music is the most effective for brain health is really a myth.\u201d Whatever genre, whatever song \u2013 just press play, and let it take your stress away (dancing optional!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n