How To Self Quarantine In A Toxic Environment — Send Help, We Are Not Okay

Millions of users on social media platforms support the hashtag stay home (I do too). There are quotes, memes, pictures, and videos about the benefits of staying at home. For instance, engaging in family time, cooking at home meals, family game nights, focusing on self-care, or becoming an entrepreneur.

But…

What if your home environment is unhealthy and dysfunctional?

What if physically going to work, school or a friend’s house was one’s escape from having to return to a toxic home?

How do people navigate a new normal in their current environment with limited options for a mental or emotional release?

If you were living in a toxic environment beforehand, did the Coronavirus make it worse by being stuck inside with the same individual or people?

The Coronavirus has changed lives for all Americans and all people across the world. In a technologically advanced world, we navigate a new normal; online learning, remote work, virtual dinners, virtual parties, and virtual happy hours. There is an unprecedented prejudice against the elderly and people who cough or sneeze. We now have added stressors of high unemployment rates, scarcity of jobs, little to no income, limited supplies, and security of a home due to financial impact. These added stressors can greatly impact a toxic home, whether it is domestic abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse or engaging with toxic individuals.

Here are some things you can do to navigate COVID-19 while living in a toxic environment or at least until you can return to your normal routine and/or remove yourself from the environment.

How to navigate COVID-19 in a toxic environment

Set boundaries

I cannot stress enough how important boundaries are. Once I found out how to set healthy boundaries it was a game-changer. It is okay to say no. It is okay to say I can’t. It is okay to politely decline to take care of yourself. Just be sure you do not violate your boundaries.

Protect your space

Protect your personal space by any means necessary. Boundaries do help with this, however, I found practicing mindfulness is powerful. Often, our personal space is invaded when we react to something or someone. Learn how to respond instead of reacting. I also found that practicing solitude has been helpful to me in protecting my own space. I simply direct my energy into activities I can do alone. This could range from driving to the store in silence to exercise to physically isolating yourself to your room. For my spiritual readers, protect and cleanse your space with crystals and sage. If you’re a believer, crystals or sage can clear out any negative energy from your physical space.

Journal your feelings

I was introduced to journaling two years ago; it is a lifesaver and my ultimate go-to when my feelings are too much for me to handle. Scribble, draw, write the same word over and over again, essentially eff up the whole page. Write whatever you want, just get your feelings out. You can also google journal prompts if you’re not sure what to write.

Call a friend

Check on your friends? No, check-in on yourself with your friends. It’s a great time to connect or reconnect with friends (or family). Ask friends to hold space for you; by doing this you create a support system. Explain to them your current situation, your friends may offer insight or solutions that you might not have thought of.

Be one with nature

I found that going for a walk, a run, a hike, or simply laying out in the park for a few hours has been helpful to my mental health. The sun, the fresh air, the touch of grass, and the smell of flowers and/or trees can all help you clear your mind and feel re-energized.

Schedule a virtual therapy session

If you have a therapist, schedule an appointment. If you do not have a therapist, find one. Many therapists are offering virtual therapy sessions for their clients. It is good to have someone to talk to who can understand your issues and offer solutions without judgment. Right now, many health insurance companies are waiving the co-pay amount for all tele-health sessions. You can find a good therapist in PsychologyToday.

Call the police

Fortunately, I haven’t had the need to call the police. If you’re in a domestic violence situation do not hesitate to call the police. Even if you have to call a friend or a third party to send the police to your home — just do it. While enforcing stay at home orders are the main priority to law enforcement agencies, they are still working to help domestic violence victims.