6 ways to look after you mental health in second lockdown

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Already experiencing pandemic fatigue, many of us feel ill-prepared for another lockdown. The problem is, the pervasive effects of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed as a way of containing it seem designed to harm our mental health, cutting us off from the things that give our lives meaning and bring us pleasure. According to Ryff’s model, in order to experience psychological wellbeing: You need to believe that your life has purpose and meaning You should feel that you have autonomy You should be experiencing personal growth You should feel that you are managing your life well You should have positive relationships You should know yourself well In normal circumstances, everyday occurrences can often allow us to maintain our psychological wellbeing without much intentional effort: chance encounters with colleagues; the boost of energy from meeting new people; the sense of awe when visiting a beautiful place; the excitement of a night out with friends; the warm feeling of going to the cinema with a loved one; the anticipation of a holiday abroad. Experience personal growth No, you don’t have to master a whole new language in lockdown, but do make sure that you allow time for learning and personal growth.