Seven tips to tip the balance….staying cheerful in testing times 17 April 20205 April 2022It’s challenging times for all. With the lockdown restrictions in the UK continuing for at least another three weeks, we thought now might be the time to think about what we can all do to keep our spirits up!1.ROUTINE ROUTINE ROUTINE Have some sort of plan for the day which you’ll try to keep to each day. Regular sleep. Regular meals. Gentle goals to set and try to keep. One of course is good oral hygiene regimen. If you don’t usually spend a great deal of time cleaning in between the teeth with floss or interproximal brushes, why not start now, get it into your routine and keep it there for life. Add them to your shopping list.2.CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN Clean and pleasant surroundings and clothing. Wash up. Tidy up. Declutter! Why not bag up those things you just no longer need, and leave them ready to take to a charity shop when they re-open. Charities will have taken a hit during the lockdown too.3.DOWN TIME TO RELAX AND HAVE FUNHowever you do it it’s important to switch off and amuse yourself and cheer yourself up. Entertainment is vital.4.FRESH AIR AND EXERCISE Even if you’re really limited in what you can do just opening the door or window and taking some deep breaths makes a difference. The simplest of exercises indoors or a brief walk outdoors makes a difference. 5.CONNECT CONNECT CONNECT However you do it keep in touch with others in your life. Make that call. Type that text. Write that email or letter or note. FaceTime. Message. Skype. WhatsApp. Telemeetings and Zoom Meetings. Share the good stuff and the funny. Connect connect connect!6.NO TO NEGATIVITYLimit the intake of bad news coming at you from the Media. Keep in touch with what’s going on but don’t binge watch the news.7.YES TO POSITIVITYThere are ALWAYS things and people to be thankful for. Always. It’s hard at times but being grateful and looking for the good in life and seeing the funny side of life and having a laugh at times will always do us good and keep us sane (more or less!)#Stay home, save lives, protect our NHS. Stay safe everyone. Team Newby.