Danny Sculthorpe's tips to help beat boredom during lockdown

Sculthorpe is an ambassador and presenter for State of Mind, which was set up in 2011 to improve mental health and wellbeing of rugby league players and communities.

He has spoken openly about his own experiences battling depression, offering advice and guidance.

And with the nation gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, he knows many may be struggling.

He says maintaining an active lifestyle – even if confined to their home and off work – can help.

“What you don’t want to do is sit in front of the TV all day watching the news,” said Sculthorpe, who played at Wigan between 2001 and ‘06.

“By all means put on the press conference at 5pm but after that, turn it over or turn it off.

“Exercise is huge for mental health – if you can, run, cycle, or do a home workout.

“Try and keep busy, set goals. Whether it’s DIY, playing with the kids and – in between – read, do crosswords, exercise.

“It’s obviously a lot worse for a lot of people who have been impacted by this virus.

“But if boredom is your only obstacle then be busy – don’t be bored.

“Don’t just sit in your pyjamas in front of the TV. Try and keep to the same routine – shower, change – and if you can work from home, do it.

“As people we are terrible at thinking about the negatives.

“I think back to my playing days, if I’d had a 9/10 performance I’d go to bed thinking about the 1/10.

“And so many people are the same, our minds have strong rewind buttons.”

Players at Super League clubs, including Wigan, have taken pay cuts to help the sport survive the shutdown.

There is still no indication when the season may resume and Sculthorpe said: “Some people cope better than others.

“Some struggle with the loss of routine, having the extra time on their hands, being at home with the kids all day.

“It doesn’t help that they don’t know when their lives will go back to the way they were, and the thing with many people is not knowing.

“They can deal with yes and no, but it’s the uncertainty that they’re not good at dealing with.”

Warriors full-back Zak Hardaker admits he’s been struggling with the change in routine caused by Covid-19.

“If I’m totally honest I’ve been struggling,” he told TotalRL.

“Everyone knows my little problems like ADHD, and I’ve found it really difficult to motivate myself. I’ve been getting up at 12 and thinking I can’t be bothered.”

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