So you've semi-recovered from the initial shock of the virus. You've made the banana bread and binge-watched Normal People. You have not learned Spanish, but you have settled into a new sort-of routine. Yet you still feel unsettled. Anxiety creeps in despite your self-imposed restrictions on how much news you choose to read.

One way to feel a little less helpless and thus less distressed is by looking outwards. By now, you've probably taken care of your immediate needs; lockdown has been all about protecting yourself and your loved ones, and rightly so. But perhaps it's time to look a little beyond ourselves. After all, helping other people doesn’t only help them, but it can help you, too.

Community and social connections are almost as important for resilience to crisis as physical materials. Coming together makes us feel less alone. And while we can't, well, physically come together, we can do things that make us feel like we're part of a collective effort. So whether you find yourself on furlough with extra time on your hands or are working from home with kids in tow (hats off to you), here are some ways you can help support communities both near and far.

1. Donate to charity -  If you aren't on furlough, you probably have very little spare time to offer 'hands-on’ help. But if you have a bit of spare change, there are plenty of charities in need of urgent support. Age UK, NHS Charities Together, Trussell Trust and The Big Give COVID-19 Emergency Appeal are all doing amazing work on the frontline of the crisis. But don't forget that other charities, like Cancer Research UK, are also victims of the multibillion pound fundraising crisis sweeping the voluntary sector. If you can afford to continue donating to your regular charity of choice, please do.

2. Volunteer at a food bank - Check where your local food bank is via the Trussell Trust website and give them a call, If you can't volunteer, you can offer a donation. You can drop food off directly at your location food bank or at a donation point. Food banks are also in need of essential non-food items like toiletries and hygiene products.  Food redistribution centres are also in need of help - they deliver hot meals to hospitals across London.

3. Offer discounts - Offering discounts to key worker staff is a great way to keep their morale high. Only do this if it isn't detrimental to your business, of course - times are tough, and not everyone has the luxury to offer reduced prices.

4. Use your practical skills -  If you know how to sew, Scrub Hub are on a constant lookout for volunteers to help make scrubs for NHS staff who are struggling to get them. If you have a car, bicycle or motorbike, you can get involved in delivering supplies via your local mutual aid group (many of which are set up on Facebook/NextDoor and What's App).

5. Make a phone call - You can sign up as an NHS volunteer phone responder to help keep vulnerable people company. It's just as important to make a regular ‘just checking in’ call to people in your immediate community, friends and elderly relatives. These phone calls can literally make somebody’s day - so don't underestimate them.

6. Help deliver food - Chances are someone in your neighbourhood is vulnerable and unable to make even a short trip to the local supermarket. Even if you don't have a car, picking up a few bits of essentials on your next shop can be of huge help. Again, check your local mutual aid group to track down those in need.

7. Teach something - Do you have a skill set that you can share? Whether it’s yoga, painting or baking, in the age of Instagram and Zoom it's never been easier to share your knowledge. Your workshops can offer much-needed moments of respite to people stuck in Groundhog Day tedium.

8. Shop local and support small businesses - Don't put pressure on yourself to spend more than you can afford right now, because times are tough and you have to prioritise your financial wellbeing. But, if you do have spare cash to spend, try to support small and local businesses. Local restaurants are now offering to delivery fresh produce or even cooked meals, hairdressers and beauty salons are selling vouchers you can use in the future, and small independent stores are still selling their products online.

9. Walk your neighbour's dog - Many vulnerable people with dogs are looking for volunteers to help walk them. The Underdog organisation have set up a new initiative called ‘Underdog Unity’ which is a network of vetted and insured volunteers who support dog-owning neighbours in need. You can apply on their website.

10. Fundraise - There are dozens of ways you can help fundraise for charity. If you have a decent following on Instagram, you can raise awareness by adding donation stickers to both your stories and live streaming. You can also walk, cycle, swim or run to raise money.

Whatever you choose to do, take care of yourself and stay safe. And remember, all acts of kindness make a positive impact - even if it's as simple as a phone call.