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

Background and objective Self-care strategies are important to maintain psychological wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore how self-care changed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in winter 2020 and identify targets for interventions. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Participants attending a COVID-19 testing clinic completed the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results A total of 332 participants completed questionnaires (mean age 38 years, 55% female). Self-care strategies used less frequently during lockdown when compared with pre-lockdown were in MSCS domains of Physical Care (P <0.001), Supportive Relationships (P <0.001), Supportive Structures (P <0.001) and Mindful Awareness (P <0.001). Mean anxiety and depression scores were 5.97 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.36) and 4.12 (SD = 3.594). Discussion Several pre-pandemic strategies were used less frequently, including individual activities not restricted during lockdown ('listening'; 'using images' to relax). This study provides insight into activities that are practised and reduced during a lockdown, which can guide wellbeing interventions to assist people in isolation.