Around the globe, humans are encountering a remarkable health crisis due to the outbreak of COVID-19. As a result, people all over the world have been advised to remain at home and limit contact with other people. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, over 74,000 individuals have died, and the death rate continues to rise. People are getting panicked and depressed about the current situation. Health specialists are presently cautioning that our emotional and mental health may be impacted by the whole situation. Staying at home for any prolonged time frame can be frightening and worrying. Particularly if you are typically a very social and active person, being required to socially separate and self-isolate can be extremely difficult to manage. It’s not unexpected to feel on edge, disappointed or exhausted, and in case you’re stressed over the impact it will have on your psychological health, you are not the only one. We suggest you keep your normal activities just try them in a new way – from gym spin class, try online spin, instead of meeting friends at the pub, try online zoom parties! Here are some tips for adjusting to life in isolation and caring for your mental health during this time.
Stay active
In most countries around the world you are no longer allowed to go out, have a night out on the town, go clothes shopping, meeting companions for espresso, or do your standard physical exercises. As you will most likely not be able to practice your normal everyday activities, you need to make sure your new daily routine incorporates approaches that keep you active. As enticing as it might be to remain in bed or lie on the couch and watch Netflix, over the long haul, this will undoubtedly be detrimental to your overall mood and emotions. Especially if you are typically a very active and fit person, it is important to find new exercise routines. In fact, this could be an excellent time to try something new such as online yoga classes, or a new at home fitness app!
Limit your news intake
It is important to stay updated about the circumstance using reliable sources, yet limiting your news and internet-based feeds to avoid overload of information may help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Having a constant feed of updates all day about the situation can affect your emotional wellness, including social media channels. The World Health Organization warns that a consistent stream of news reports about the global pandemic can make people feel anxious and distressed. We suggest you control your media and data consumption, otherwise watching the news 24-7 and having constant online networking updates can make you increasingly stressed. It might help to put parameters in place for yourself, such as only watching the news at set times, and limiting yourself to checking social media only three times a day.
Stay connected with others (virtually)
Indeed, even the most anti-social individuals need some connection with others for psychological health and emotional wellbeing. Many workplaces have been made virtual, with meetings happening online, and staff groups having virtual espresso gatherings. You could start an online book club, or organise an online connection with friends and family at an organised time. Although we are in self-isolation, it’s possible not to feel alone by connecting virtually. Connect with other individuals online and eliminate the feeling of loneliness.
Connect with nature
Invest some time and energy to connect with nature, even if just for a couple of moments. There is something relaxing about connecting with nature, so during times of vulnerability and stress, it is strongly suggested to put your worries aside and spend time with nature. If you have a garden or a backyard, then it is a blessing for you. Get outside and inhale natural air, feel nature, regardless of whether that be sun, wind, or a downpour.
Help other individuals
This is surely an unpleasant time for everyone while the world is under threat of COVID-19. It is a physically and mentally challenging situation and those who are less fortunate than you may be experiencing an even more difficult time. If you are not under strict isolation, then you could take care of others around you. By helping those around us who are in need, we actually help our own psychological wellness. It benefits ourselves and the people around us to band together.
