“Seven Days in Lockdown”: A Performance Autoethnography of Physical Activity and Mental Health

In his auto-ethnographic diary titled “‘Seven Days in Lockdown’: A Performance Autoethnography of Physical Activity and Mental Health,” David Careless, a professor in the health and life sciences at the University of the West of Scotland, chronicles his mental health journey during a week in the initial wave of the pandemic. Through the diary Careless aims to identify effective strategies for mental well-being during the crisis, especially when traditional sources of support, such as social networks, are unavailable or restricted. Throughout the week, he discovers that mindfulness-based exercises like surfing and yoga, as well as a deep connection with nature, prove highly effective in managing his anxiety. He takes special notice of the wildlife he encounters—a seal, a kestrel, and a fox—adding to his sense of solace and connection with the natural world. Careless challenges conventional approaches to mental health management like medication and therapy, emphasizing the need for alternative strategies that recognize the futility of intellectualizing emotions such as anxiety. While acknowledging the uniqueness of his own experience, he highlights the importance of individualized approaches to mental health, even in the face of a universal crisis like the pandemic.