As more and more of us are being told to either self-isolate with our families or self-quarantine under doctor’s orders, we are spending almost all of our time at home, inside. While this may keep you from getting a virus, it can also be tolling on your mental health. We’ve put together a few tips to support your mental health during isolation.
Some of us will get cabin fever, especially those who live alone. Thanks to technology though, you can do different things to keep up socially with your friends and family. And there are also many low-tech ways to beat the boredom and be social.
Tips To Support Mental Health During Isolation
Virtual coffee chats and dinners
Get together with friends you may have planned to meet for coffee, lunch or dinner ― but via video chat. You have plenty of options in tech that can be used on your computer and/or smartphone and tablet.
Brew yourself some coffee or your favorite tea and start up your Facetime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, Skype or any other app that has a video call feature.
If you want some human contact, you could even arrange to open one of the apps as you and a friend sit down for dinner in your respective abodes and have some nice conversation over a meal.
Virtual gyms
If you have a regular class with a yoga instructor, see if they want to start conducting their classes by video. There are a few teleconferencing applications that allow for a conference call-type format where participants are given a password to join the meeting.
The instructor can then teach the class to anyone of their current customers that wants to join. This is already happening in Spain and Italy.
Also, if you already have a gym membership, many gyms are starting to offer virtual classes as well. And many are also offering free classes online. Classes that are geared for groups are the most conducive to online training, such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga and aerobics-type sessions.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak, you can use exercise to reduce your anxiety and clear your mind. One of the best ways to fight the stagnation of home quarantine is to continue to breathe properly and keep moving. Movement has an amazing effect on your mood and outlook.
Go for a walk
During this time of self-isolation, it’s important that you get some form of exercise and long brisk walks are not only good for you, but they also tend to cheer you up. Sunshine can also be a helpful mood-booster.
If you have a dog, you can use this time to give your pet extra walks. Your pooch will never decline an invitation for a walk, and a pup can keep you company.
Also, if the grocery store is a short distance and you need to pick up a few supplies, consider walking or riding your bike.
Reach out to your parents, grandparents
Many elderly people are lonely and that can be further compounded by self-isolation. Use your newfound free time to keep in touch with your parents, grandparents and other seniors.
Use an app with video features. They will appreciate that you are checking on them and they will be happy to see your face. You can even organize one of those coffees or dinners with them, as well.
Establish a routine
Don’t just veg out on the couch and binge-watch TV shows all day. It’s best if you can establish a routine. If you are telecommuting, this shouldn’t be a problem as you will have to be working during a good portion of your day Monday to Friday.
But if you are not working, resist the urge to stay up late watching movies or TV. Try to keep the same routine you had before the outbreak.
Virtual book groups
You may also be taking the time to catch up on your reading. Perhaps you could organize a book group with friends and family. Pick a book that everyone will read for a week or two, and then have regular video chat meetings to discuss the book, your opinions and thoughts.
The takeaway
It’s hard to fight the boredom and taking the path of least resistance if you are self-isolating, but you should try to focus on taking care of your body, mind and emotional well-being during this time.
Besides the above suggestions, you can try to learn something new, like playing the keyboard or learning to make bread or yogurt ― or homebrewing.
And taking time to be in touch with others can stave off your loneliness and help you keep connected with the people you care about.