The unforeseen public health global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has obligated us all to stay indoors, sheltered, and isolated from the outside world.
Many of us will feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and overly stressed. From concerns about our health and those of our loved ones to the anxieties of not being able to go outside and interact with people, being quarantined can have many negative impacts on our mental wellbeing.
Staying positive during this time is essential and adjusting to this new way of life is challenging but doable. In this article, we will discuss how to handle a quarantine like a pro.
1. Create a Routine
During this difficult time, many people have stopped working whilst others started working remotely. Whatever your situation is, your daily routine has most likely been severely disrupted. However, it is crucial that you do not lose the sense of a routine, and you develop a repetitive schedule that you are comfortable with and that you can follow on a daily basis.
This will create a sense of normalcy and allow you to regain some control over your life. A few things you can do is to set your alarm in the morning, make your bed, get dressed, make a to-do list, and accomplish as many tasks as you can during the day. Additionally, stick to a bedtime routine as you would if you had work or an early morning the next day.
2. Be Aware of Social Media
Feeling anxious and stressed is completely natural under current circumstances. However, it is essential to be aware of your mental wellbeing, and overly focusing on the negative will only create more anxiety.
Social Media can be a great source of negativity as people post their theories and ideas of what is going on and what will happen in the future. You should keep up with the news to know what is going on in the world, but be aware to distinguish facts from opinions.
3. Take Time for Yourself
Taking time for yourself during this time is extremely important and can make a massive difference to your mental wellbeing. Particularly if you live with family and have children – if this is the case, you will be home with family for long periods of time, and this can increase arguments between you and your loved ones. Everyone must take time for themselves, to be alone and relax away from each other. This does not have to be very difficult to achieve. You can try a bubble bath once a week, or even going for a long walk by yourself. Whatever activities you enjoy doing, take the time to do this.
4. Maintain Contact With Others
Social distancing and isolation have made social interactions difficult or very much impossible. However, this does not mean that you cannot have interactions with friends, family, and even colleagues by using online platforms.
This will give you a sense of normalcy and it will allow you to take your mind off of your isolation. Keeping in touch with each other also means that you can check how everyone is doing and find ways to best support each other.
5. Obtain Additional Support
If you feel that you are struggling with the current times, be assured that this is normal and even a very emotionally strong person will feel the effects of the quarantine on their mental health. It is important to recognize the signs of emotional struggle and ask for help when you need it.
There are many mental health support systems that continue providing support through distance communication, which can be achieved via phone, video, or online chats. Discussing your concerns or fears with an expert can be very beneficial during the unprecedented times we are facing
6. Stay Physically Active
Keeping yourself active when the gyms and leisure clubs have been closed soon can be difficult but it is not impossible. Physical activity is vital during this time, as it will give you a routine, keep you energized and in better spirits as well as increase your motivation. You can easily find online exercise routines to follow from the comfort of your own home, and still, be able to achieve the desired results.
7. Plan a Vacation
Planning a vacation may seem like a pointless task at the moment, considering that traveling is not recommended. However, you can still plan a holiday for when life returns to normal. Planning a holiday is fun and exciting and will remind you to look forward to the future and those better moments will come.
Quarantine has been a challenge and caused us to feel an array of different emotions. If you are struggling, be assured that this is normal and you are not alone. If you follow some of the tips discussed above, you can improve your emotional wellbeing and resilience to manage quarantine as best as possible.
