Connecting with friends can give you that much-needed boost. You can’t join them physically, but you can still have that lunch appointment on a video call. Science tells us that even the smallest social connections can help improve your emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s talking about what you had for lunch, or contemplating the meaning of life, what better time than now to reach out to the people in your life? Or go a step further, reach out to long lost friends and be all the richer for it.

In times like these you would naturally feel the urge to stress eat, but this is counterproductive both physically and mentally. If you’re feeling bored or frustrated, distract yourself with a fun activity, and follow a routine with your eating. Eating healthy is not just good for the body, but proven to uplift your mood. Avoid refined carbs, sugar and processed foods. Include more vegetables, fruits and nuts. Stay generally disciplined, and earn the license to give in to temptation once in a while.

For once, time is your friend. Saved work commute time is now at your disposal. Use that slot in the morning or evening (or both) for your exercise routine. Whether it’s running, a functional workout, yoga, tai chi or even dancing, exercise strengthens your immune system, flushing out bacteria and boosting white blood cell circulation. It also releases feel-good endorphins and reduces stress hormones like cortisol. You can do better than survive the circuit breaker. You can actually enjoy it.

Take a break and put that phone or laptop aside. Tea is known to have calming and anxiety reducing properties - peppermint, chamomile, passion flower, take your pick. Curl up with a good book, put on your favourite jazz record, burn some essential oils. If you’re so inclined, work some mindfulness or meditation routines into your schedule. If not, even simple breathing exercises can relax mind and body. Escape the relentless news cycle with a calming ritual of your choice.

The current situation could trigger anxiety, and with the changed routines, normal sleep patterns are disrupted, leaving you tired and more susceptible to infections. To regain control, establish a new routine with an early bedtime and pre-bedtime rituals like a shower or a book. Avoid caffeine after noon, get out as much as possible (natural light regulates your circadian rhythm) and exercise. Sleeping better in turn leads to a happier frame of mind and better resistance to viruses.