A recent study by Ipsos-MORI found that 6 out of 10 people in the UK are finding it hard to be optimistic in the lockdown, with this slightly worse for women, with 7 out of 10 feeling despondent. The study also found that only 7% of people polled had any optimism for the near future. With dark nights and cold days, this is a tougher time than other lockdowns. It is a fallacy to believe that those who were coping OK in previous lockdowns will be doing OK in the current lockdown.

With New Years Resolutions being broken all around, Professors Koch and Jackson have 6 helpful suggestions that we can all use in order to make lockdown 3 more bearable. Here they explain how these 'resolutions' may work for you. Try 1 or try all 6 if you're feeling particularly in need of a boost.

1. Develop a routine for spare time
2. Build relaxation into each day
3. Accept the idea of mindfulness 
4. Daily walking 
5. Turn daily habits into comforting routine
6. Connect with other people