10 Healthy Ways to Cope With Isolation

10 Healthy Ways to Cope with Isolation, Anxiety & Stress

1. Be Remotely Social

While so many events and social gatherings have been restricted during these times of uncertainty, we are no longer allowed to live each day in the social atmosphere we are all so used to. This restriction causes lack of social connection which can be the source of anxiety and stress issues through the isolation process. To fight this, it is important to continue to be social and connected with your family and friends like you always do – the only difference is, you will have to do this remotely! The world revolves around social media, so use it! Face time your friends, call your family and it will help!

2. Stay informed

With the rise of social media, anyone can put their opinion out there. That is why a lot of what comes out of it ends up being false. False news can cause people in the community to feel anxious and stressed about their situation, so it’s best to follow only the accurate and reliable sources of news and to stay updated with what’s going on in the world– so avoid unreliable posts and more importantly, try not to contribute to unreliable whispers!

3. Self-care

Self-care differs from person to person, but it is an essential part of life. Self-care refers to your mental health, good nutrition, sleep and exercise which are all vital aspects to ones-self. It’s possible to keep up your physical fitness by exercising at home as well as doing yoga as it has many proven benefits for the mind and body. Many other activities that offer you joy and distraction from those difficult days and to help calm your nerves and fulfils your needs – much like a nice, inside hobby! If you’re living with other people as well, it is important to have some time to yourself to avoid frustration or tension between roommates.

4. Keep up with routines

During the current pandemic, many social exposures have been restricted or even cancelled, including schools and jobs. If this is the case, it is advised that you continue obeying to your routines. This means that, if school had been cancelled in your area, you should continue an education routine whilst remaining at home – this could be as simple as getting up at the same time in the morning and completing certain activities during the day as a source of home schooling! It also refers to an exercise routing everyday to maintain your fitness levels.

5. Help others when you can

In times on uncertainty, it is easy to become self-absorbed and focussed on your own concerns, however, it is important to take a step back and realise that the world is fighting this together. Those who are stepping in to help their neighbours in the community tend to be happier and have a healthier mental health position than those who are not. The feeling of helplessness accompanies many people in times of need and, even during isolation,

6. Focus on yourself and your home

Think of this difficult time as an opportunity to focus not only on yourself, but your home and surrounding environment. By doing one productive activity each day can create a more positive attitude and a more inspirational environment for you and your family. This can ease the daunting trapped feeling that relates to stress and anxiousness. Set your mind on tasks that you’ve been waiting to get done that you had procrastinated for so long – maybe even declutter your house and start donating your unwanted items to charity!

7. Dedicate time to yourself

In such a confined situation, it is important that you remain focussed and clam throughout the situation. As it is important to keep in social contact with your friends and family, it is just as important to spend some time to yourself away from distractions. Find something that you enjoy, that no one else can join you with and dedicate some time out of your week to concentrate on that one thing. It can be frustrating, spending so much time with the same group of people, which is why it is perfectly acceptable to have some personal time alone occasionally.

8. Seek professional help if you need it

If your feeling as if your anxious and stressful lifestyle in isolation needs more than personal-care and advice, seek a professional. They are highly qualified to help you in your time of need so there is no reason to avoid them! Book an appointment, or considering the current uncertain dilemma there is no harm in calling their office. Some psychologist may offer over-the-phone services to abide social distancing.

9. Have fun

There is absolutely no reason for you not to have fun while isolated! You have so many opportunities that you are able to focus on now that you have all the time in the world to do it. Since sport and most other outside activities have been put on hold for the time being, you and your family still need to entertain yourselves. Backyard cricket, touch football, crafting and dancing to music are just some of the fun activities you and your family can try while in the comfort of your own home.

10. Get used to uncertainty

Learning to tolerate the constant uncertainty of the world’s situation may help reduce the initial shock and torment of the oncoming news feeds popping up all over social media. At this stage, we can expect the all the news updates to have taken over the TV screen and straight to your social media feed and it can be very frustrating being reminded of the world’s situation every second of the day. But by expecting the constant news feed and getting used the constant uncertainty can help you accept the situation.