VIRTUAL meetings and socially distanced street parties can work a little magic into our lives, however, keeping our minds in good shape as we work towards the end of self-isolation is an absolute essential.

Here are my top 10 tips to stay calm and mentally fit and they won’t cost you a bean.

1. Using a mobile phone, record birdsong, early evening is best. Aim for 10-15 minutes and create the perfect soundtrack for meditation and mindfulness.

2. Download a meditation app – lots of free options available.

3. Check online for mindfulness websites, in particular the NHS at bit.ly/2WhAYRi

4. Walk. An hour away from home can work wonders.

5. Run. For those of us who are up to it, the benefits of exercise are well documented as a raised heart beat releases endorphins which bring on the feel-good factor.

6. Drink water. The benefits of drinking a couple of litres of water a day are many and varied, helping everything from the condition of our skin to alleviating a hangover.

7. Learn to breathe. Sounds daft, but a good breathing technique can ward off stress and anxiety. Learn how from the NHS at bit.ly/3bkcQSq

8. Try a DIY foot massage. A warm foot bath, a little exfoliant followed by a gentle massage using a foot moisturiser or some coconut oil works wonders.

9. Keep a diary. In a similar way to talking to a friend, keeping a diary can be therapeutic. It doesn’t have to be a proper diary, any notebook will do.

10. Pray. In our busy lives we can’t avoid being caught up in the everyday whirl. Take time to pray, meditate or just think about the important things in life.

Stay safe and well.