Lock-Down 2.0 is Here

Lockdown 2.0 is here, and although it isn’t quite as severe as the original lockdown, it is still going to be a hard-few weeks for all of us.  With all that in mind, it is more important than ever to remember being socially distanced doesn’t mean being socially disconnected. 

Over the next few paragraphs, I am going to explain how as an Estate Agent we plan to safely operate during lockdown 2.0.  Beyond this I am also going to share ideas about how we can get through the next few weeks.

Housing Market

The government have announced that the housing market is to remain open during lockdown 2.0, and that branches can also remain open and continue to provide valuations, viewings etc.  This is great news for the housing market.

However, in order to remain open safely and protect staff and clients, in the first instance all valuations with Eric Clarke will be done via Zoom or Face Time where possible.  Viewings will be kept to an absolute maximum of 10 minutes and everyone must wear masks as per usual standard covid guidelines.  We also ask anyone that is currently in quarantine after a holiday or have been asked to self-isolate do not make any appointments until they have been given the all clear. Finally, you can only attend the office if you have a pre – arranged appointment.

Beyond Eric Clarke, we thought it would be great to give you some tips and hints on how to get through lockdown 2.0 to help. Staying physically and mentally active is more important than ever, with everything that is going in the world now. Not just from a physical point of view, but a mental health point as well.

Daily Routine

We all need routine and structure more so now than previously thanks to lock-down 2.0 and staying physically and mentally active plays a big part in that. From setting your alarm clock at the usual time in the morning, to getting dressed every day, eating at normal times, going to bed at a reasonable hour. If you change too many things, it can interrupt your sleep patterns and mental health to name just a couple.

Way back at the start of the original lock-down in March the BBC posted an interesting article on why so many people are struggling to sleep and the impact of disrupted routines. By doing these things and staying physically and mentally active it can make a huge difference.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-52311643

Government Advice

One of the main things the government has continued to stress is, how important it is to get outside and have some daily exercise whether it be a run, walk or bike ride.  Fortunately, they have slightly relaxed the rules during lock-down 2.0 and we are not limited to just once a day for exercise, we can even meet one other person outside if we socially distance.   Of course, there are also lots of exercises you can do within the comfort of your own home. The main thing is to stay physically and mentally active. With thousands of online options available, it is easier than ever to get active. Exercise brings with it a myriad of benefits.

Mental Health

The biggest benefit is of course mental health. The links between exercise and mental health are numerous. Here are just a few of those benefits:

• Better sleep – by making you feel more tired at the end of the day
• Happier moods – physical activity releases feel-good hormones that make you feel better in yourself and give you more energy
• Managing stress, anxiety or intrusive and racing thoughts – doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy.

All this advice brings up questions, such as: How do we stay physically and mentally active during the day – especially when working from home? and why is it so important?

Just A Few Ideas for Lock-down 2.0

As most of us are still working from home, not only are we moving less, but we are getting less exposure to sunlight. Whilst working make sure you have regular movement breaks. Can you work standing? If not, make sure you have your workstation set up correctly with a proper chair and the screen at the right height.

Take advantage of being allowed out for exercise and get outside for that run, walk or cycle, you can do this on your lunch break or after you have finished work.  With winter almost here the weather isn’t ideal but if we all wrap up warm, I’m sure we will all feel so much better for getting outside.

Being at home 99% of the time, means that most of us, will be having lots more scree time – which in turn means more exposure to blue lights. Make a conscious effort to put phones away, turn off the television a few hours before you go to sleep. Use the time to finally read the book you bought months ago or maybe try some mediation.

Finally, with the fridge no more than a few seconds away 24 hours a day, it is more important than ever to prepare healthy, nutritious meals.

We have clearly covered lots of physical options but there are also many other ways we can stay physically and mentally active.  Why not try a good jigsaw puzzle, play a board game with your family, have a go at that new recipe you have been wanting to try for ages. If none of these options appeal, have a virtual quiz night online with friends and family.

As you can see from above despite being in lock-down there are plenty of ways we can stay physically and mentally active, all you need to do, is find an activity that appeals and give it a go.

Let’s all make a conscious effort to stay physically and mentally active as much as we can through this challenging time.

Till next time