Let’s face it. Staying optimistic is harder than usual right now. And no matter who you’re locked down with, you’re bound to be going a little cooky. So here’s six proactive steps you can take to lift your mood and get you through. You might even come out the other side better than before.

While the odd lazy day in your pyjamas is a real treat, being a sloth get’s old real quick. Creating a routine with regular mealtimes, bedtime and exercise is important to establish structure, predictability and a sense of purpose.

Exercise, good nutrition and social connection are directly linked to our emotional well-being. So now is the time to get creative. Jump on House Party, cook a Nadia Lim special or follow along with a Les Mills class on TVNZ.

Switch your attention to the little things – the things you can control. Tend to your house plants, tidy up the pantry or tick off any other niggly to-dos around the house. It’s the little things that keep our mental health in good nick.

Bad habits take time to break – and we’ve got a bit of that right now. So stop biting your nails, endlessly scrolling Instagram or leaving the toilet seat up. You can walk away from all of this a better you.

Learning a new skill is a great way to keep your mind sharp. So download Duolingo and brush up on your Spanish. Or learn that new TikTok dance you’ve seen everywhere. You’ll be better for it.

And finally, be a bit selfish and do something just for you, everyday. Whether that’s a morning meditation, a cheeky bubble bath or a cycle round the block – anything that nourishes the mind, body and soul.