Feeling stressed during lockdown? A psychologist explains why
With New Zealand facing lockdowns once again, one Melbourne-based psychologist has been sharing some tips and insights into why we feel the way we do while locked down.
Chris Cheers first entered the spotlight during Victoria’s sixth lockdown, where he discussed the concept of the “stress cycle”, which can be used to explain why we’re feeling the way we are lately.
First things first, what’s a stress cycle? Women’s Health describes it as the moment when our bodies have learnt that we are now safe after facing some kind of threat. Your body goes from feeling panic, to entering fight or flight mode, to realising you are safe, and then resetting.
Chris explains that when we experience stressors - like lockdowns - “our bodies react with stress” and enter fight or flight mode.
“But your body can’t fight a lockdown, and it can’t run away,” he writes.
“So your body becomes stuck in the emotion, and the stress cycle can’t be completed.”
To complete the stress cycle, Chis suggests slow deep breathing, exercise, letting out emotions, getting creative, or physically connecting with a loved one.
Since we can’t control when lockdowns will end, focusing on what we can control can help us feel better.
“At these times it’s helpful to focus on what is in your control,” Chris says. “Which means achievable behaviours like daily routine, sleep, exercise, and connecting to others.
“But it’s important when we talk about self care to also recognise that it’s not easy. It’s about setting boundaries and saying no.
“Sometimes it’s about acting against your patterns of behaviours or habits. Just because you know something is good for you, doesn’t mean it’s easy to do.”
As for the times when lockdown hits the hardest, Chris has some more tips and words of advice.
“Basically, your brain is a teenager again,” he writes. “This extended period of stress and uncertainty has left the brain depleted, especially in terms of prefrontal and executive function.
“This makes it harder to plan, focus, handle emotions and practice self-control.
“So often on the hard days I remind myself that it’s not me, it’s “lockdown brain”.”
He suggests labelling and validating feelings you may be feeling underneath “lockdown fatigue”, both by talking to others about them and reminding yourself that they are a normal response to this kind of situation.
Chris also recommends choosing one thing to achieve on a day, acknowledge the success of completing it, and reward yourself.
“Lockdowns are getting harder, not easier. But know that even small changes to your day can make a big difference to your mental health.
“Today, my one thing I set to achieve was this post. So now I’m going to celebrate with whatever cake the local cafe has for me.
“I hope you find your one thing too.”
Image: Chris Cheers Psychology / Instagram