It has been a tremendously challenging time in so many ways, as people struggle with the realities and fears of the COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns across the globe are continually enforced, people are not just juggling to stay safe, they're also struggling to stay sane. Here are some of our favourite things to keep those spirits up...

Workout warriors

Just because gyms are closed doesn't mean you can't get some great workouts in. There is such an amazing range of free online classes available for all fitness levels. Our top workout warriors are:

• Barry's on Instagram Lives: Daily live 20-30 minute workouts. Also offering 35-minute virtual classes for up to 65 people and personal training sessions.
• Kit Rich: Celebrity trainer Kit Rich has a seriously extensive collection of videos on her YouTube channel to suit all levels. Pilates fusion especially good!
• WozLdn: At 11am UK everyday, Woz puts people through their paces with a gruelling 45 minute HIIT class. He's now going bigger with his Shred with Woz. Pumping tunes and amazing energy.

Social media saviours

We've all done it. The social media trap of scrolling aimlessy through (mainly) Instagram post after post, getting jealous over some 'influencers' seemingly perfect quarantine set-up. Break this up and check out these accounts that are actually worth a follow:

• @tom.prior - if only for his notorious TikTok roundups.
• @lailacooks - for both humble dinners and dazzling dinner-party centerpieces.
• @donetodeath - high-level cultural commentary from Chris Black, the boss of hot takes.
• @daisymaycooper - pure LOL's and insta lockdown reality from the creator of Our Country.

Captivating podcasts

• Gossipmongers - comedians David Earl, Joe Wilkinson and Poppy Hillstead dissect unsubstantiated parochial tales from listerners that could easily have come from any of our childhood playgrounds.
• Mystery Show - each episode is framed around a seemingly pedestrian mystery that is immediately engrossing. Kick off with case #5 Source Code.
• Slow Burn -  taking a fresh look at landmark cultural moments, including the Watergate scandel, the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, and most recently, the growing tension between rappers Tupic and biggie.

Anti-anxiety anthems

Music is one of the best anti-anxiety remedies and general mood enhancers out there. Here are our top 5 tracks we currently have on repeat:

• I go to sleep - The Kinks
• Hold on - John Lennon
• Physical - Dua Lipa (pure pop cheese)
• Heart of Glass - Blondie
• Pump up the Jam - Technotronic

Top reads

Now is the time to get lost in that book you've been promising yourself you'll read. If you haven't already heard of them, we think these are some seriously good ones to get stuck into:

• All This Could Be Yours, Jami Attenberg. 
• Grown Ups, Marian Keyes
• Exciting Times, Naoise Dolan
• Wow, No Thank You, Samantha Irby
• Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari