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

Background and objectives: 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 \u3c0.001), Supportive Relationships (P \u3c0.001), Supportive Structures (P \u3c0.001) and Mindful Awareness (P \u3c0.001). 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