Coronavirus: Local pyschologist says we must work together to get us through this global crisis affecting all our lives

Are you planning on looking after your head as well as you are looking after your bum?

There is talk of the over 70s self isolating. People are understandably worried, toilet rolls are like hens teeth in Wigan.

Lots of people are stocking up on essentials, but are you thinking about how you will look after your mental health ?

Now is a good time to think about the following things:

1) find a way to communicate with technology , this could be Skype, or Whatsapp. Find out if your over 70s can use it now before they get isolated

2) plan some things to do, things like watching tv and films, those DIY projects , reading, puzzles. Stock up on what you enjoy.

3) If you do have to self isolate try to keep the same sleep wake cycle, it’s so easy to get into going to bed late and getting up late, but you’ll find it harder when you get back to normal

4) Turn the alerts off on news apps. It’s vital to keep updated, but if you’re feeling anxious about it, have some control about when you see the info rather than be at the mercy of the media

5) Find a way to exercise if you can. YouTube has lots of free workouts and will keep you a little healthier

6) Use the time to learn something new, Duolingo is a great and free way to learn a new language or you can do some research online about something you’ve always planned on learning

7) Arrange for someone to check on you, so that you know that someone can raise the alarm if something is wrong. This will ease worry about being on your own

8) If you’re isolating as a couple then if you have the room try to spend some time apart, it may be that one watches TV and the other reads in another room.

If you’re used to being out and about it’s ok that you struggle to spend 24/7 together.

Just try to be there for each other and keep as healthy as you can.