We’ve been asked to practise social-distancing by self-isolating in our homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and there seems to be one main factor that’s driving everyone insane – boredom.
Luckily, we live in a modern world where we can use technology to our advantage for anything from staying in touch with loved ones to keeping us entertained. We’ve compiled a list of apps that should help to pass the time away and keep your mental health in good shape during lockdown.
Headspace
The app on everyone’s lips at the moment is Headspace, which has a beautiful mix of guided meditations that you can listen to whatever you’re doing. Whether you’re waking up, driving, cooking or having a bath, there are lots of different mindfulness tracks that will help you stay sane while you’re stuck at home.
https://www.headspace.com
My Possible Self
This is a mental health app that’s based on proven scientific methods to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. My Possible Self allows users to interact and learn about their emotions, providing tips and tricks to keep your worries under control – especially during lockdown. It includes a mood tracker feature, which allows you to keep note of what may trigger certain emotions during the day and eliminate things that may cause you to feel anxious.
https://www.mypossibleself.com
Stress & Anxiety Companion
This NHS approved mental health app is a fantastic tool to help manage your feelings of anxiety and nerves. Created by a former psychologist and his patient, it uses tried and tested CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) features to help relax and calm the body when you may be feeling tense.
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/stress-anxiety-companion/
Candy Crush
For a game that will never get boring, download Candy Crush. If you’ve not played it before, you’re in for a treat (pun intended), and it’s sure to provide hours of mindless fun to help get through the toughest of days.
https://king.com/game/candycrush
Draw Something
This creative thinking app is a fun way of connecting to both friends and strangers. You’re given a word and have to draw it out for the other person to guess, and it’s sure to provide some giggles if you’re not the arty type!
https://www.zynga.com/games/draw-something/
Houseparty
For most of us, it’s been well over a month since the last time we hung out with our mates. This video messaging app allows you to connect with your friends and throw virtual “parties” from your home. There are lots of in-app games that you can play together, as well as being able to send messages to your friends that are offline. You can even jump into strangers’ parties too, meaning you can meet new people.
https://houseparty.com
If the current situation is getting you down and affecting your mental health, please get in touch with your loved-ones and talk to them about how you feel, or a professional if you feel it is getting worse. Remember the NHS is still open for business and most doctor’s surgeries are offering virtual appointments if you’d prefer not to go out. Lockdown is hard, and the stress of the outside world on the other side can be overwhelming, but it’s not forever and we will get through this together.
