How mindful self-care practices changed during the winter 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in Western Sydney

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Self-care is crucial for psychological wellbeing.
• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns significantly impacted daily routines and mental health.
• Understanding changes in self-care during such periods is vital for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how self-care behaviors evolved during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in winter 2020.
• To identify specific self-care domains and activities that require targeted interventions to support psychological wellbeing.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Participants (N=332) completed the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
• Data were collected from individuals attending a COVID-19 testing clinic.

Main Results:

• Self-care strategies in Physical Care, Supportive Relationships, Supportive Structures, and Mindful Awareness domains were used significantly less during lockdown compared to pre-lockdown (P < 0.001 for all).
• Mean anxiety and depression scores were 5.97 (SD=4.36) and 4.12 (SD=3.594), respectively.
• Even individual activities not restricted by lockdown, such as relaxation techniques, were reduced.

Conclusions:

• The first COVID-19 lockdown led to a significant decrease in various self-care practices, even those not directly prohibited.
• These findings underscore the need for interventions designed to help individuals maintain self-care during periods of isolation and disruption.
• Identifying reduced self-care activities provides a basis for future wellbeing programs aimed at mitigating the psychological impact of lockdowns.