Professional expedition leader and author Ashly Fusiarski, from East Cowton, North Yorkshire, is an expert in overcoming fear and dealing with isolation. He offers some tips to help us through the current crisis

HOPEFULLY you're in a good routine at the moment. Hopefully you've found a rhythm that's working for you. Perhaps you're even appreciating a change in pace, the clearer air and the quiet streets.

However, if that's not you and you're actually struggling, don't worry. To do nothing can be more challenging mentally than having a difficult task ahead of you. It can require a lot more resilience than you might expect.

I've led expeditions in some of the most isolated places on the planet and more than once I have been trapped in close quarters, waiting for an undefined amount of time before I can move on. Here are some of my basic tips for dealing with isolation and staying at home.

EAT WELL

The body and mind are linked. What's good for one is also good for the other and the inverse is true. Eat healthy and wholesome foods, avoid processed foods and sugars. If you do this for three days straight, you will start to notice your mood lift. After a week of doing this, you will have more energy, feel happier and you won't even desire sweets or chocolate.

EXERCISE

Being tired in the body is good for the mind. You can rest in satisfaction rather than fidget in frustration. Choose an activity that you enjoy and do it consistently, every day. Reach a level where, after a short rest following the end of the activity, you feel refreshed and awake, not exhausted. That is the key to keeping it consistent; when you get the level of exertion right you will start to look forward to the following day's session instead of feeling like it's a chore.

REST

Sleep at the same time and wake up at the same time each day. With a healthy diet and daily exercise, this will become easier. If you're finding it difficult to sleep, try...

LESS SCREEN-TIME

Minimise the time you spend on the computer, the phone and watching the television. The constant stimulation of the brain creates a level of stress that keeps you in an alert mode. It is not ideal. And remember, social media is designed to keep you scrolling and keep you engaged. Just step away from the device and don't allow it to soak up your time and mental well-being.

MENTAL ACTIVITY

Choose something you enjoy, not something you think you should do. The key to success is consistency and the key to consistency is enjoying the process more than the end result. If this is not the case, there is a strong chance you will give up at the first difficulties. Again, it should be something you look forward to.

Have realistic expectations. If you learn a new language, don't expect to be fluent; if you start painting, don't expect photo-quality realism; if you learn an instrument, don't expect to be a master, at least not in the first few weeks. If you enjoy the processes and stay consistent, the success will follow.

Finally remember...

It will pass regardless of how much or how little you worry about it, so you may as well not worry at all. It's one of the few times you can allow yourself to get caught up in the details and nuances of every day life without having to try and analyse or focus on the big picture and long-term goals.

* I: ashfski. Ash is available for speaking engagements and can be contacted on speakersassociates.com. Ash’s novella, Stray Dog, is available on Amazon. He recently returned from a climate change research project in Antarctica where he was working with the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Northumbria University.