As the news continues to revolve around COVID-19 and the majority of Americans are now quarantined in their homes, the term “social distancing” has become commonplace. In an effort to reduce the further spread of this virus, it is imperative that we continue to do our part in protecting those most vulnerable by limiting physical contact as much as possible. Social contact, on the other hand, is needed more than ever at a time like this.
While self-quarantining, it’s important to stay connected to our loved ones, to nurture community and to support one another. As information around COVID-19 changes rapidly, it’s easy to feel helpless and uncertain of what the future holds. According to the American Psychological Association, social isolation can negatively impact both mental and physical health in myriad ways. Isolation coupled with the never-ending news cycle can further exacerbate feelings of panic and despair for many of us. The fact is, we now need each other more than ever.
The following recommendations have helped me stay positive and productive while self-quarantining:
Stay socially connected
Technology is our friend at a time like this and there are many options for keeping in touch with our loved ones, from phone calls to FaceTime to video group chats via platforms like Zoom. Talking with my friends, family and colleagues daily has been immensely helpful in maintaining morale and staying connected to those I care for most.
It’s important to keep in mind that many people, especially the elderly community, do not have access to computers and online resources. This makes phone calls more important than ever.
Maintain your routine
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably tempted to stay up late watching Love is Blind on Netflix; comforted by the fact that you’ll be able to sleep in as late as you want the following day. Having tested this, I don’t recommend it. Staying up late and sleeping late will leave you groggy and unmotivated the following day, making you even more prone to apathy and a low mood. Try to maintain your normal routine as much as possible.
Stay active
Self-quarantine can leave us sedentary, shuffling from one end of our homes to the other between binge sessions of our favorite shows. You may not feel particularly motivated to exercise but it is incredibly important to stay active, especially now. Not only does exercise release endorphins – which elevate mood – but it can increase energy levels, ease anxiety and help us feel productive, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Start a new healthy habit
They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Maybe that’s trying meditation, exercising in the mornings, furthering your yoga practice, reading before bed instead of scrolling through Instagram, learning a new song on your guitar, making progress on that creative project you’ve been putting on the backburner for years. Now is as good a time as any to start devoting yourself to all the aspirations you said you didn’t “have time for”.
