As people navigate these unprecedented times, many individuals are having to adjust their daily routines to fit within new governmental regulations regarding social distancing. The majority of the world’s population remains in isolation, and, as a result, people are looking for ways to entertain themselves.
However, for many people, isolation can feel uncomfortable and highly restrictive – especially for individuals who are accustomed to frequent social interaction. Sadly, these new limits on freedom can take a toll on people’s mental health.
In this post, we will share four ideas for how to take care of your mental health while in isolation. If you’re feeling unwell due to being stuck at home in these difficult times, take a look at the tips below to make sure you’re doing all you can to look after your mental health.
Stick to a routine
In general, humans crave routine. But these days, daily life has changed dramatically for many people around the world. Whether you’re out of work or working from home, it is essential to keep a daily routine and maintain a sense of order in your life.
In these uncertain times, having a healthy routine can make you feel more in control. At the moment, it’s unclear how long government-imposed isolation could last, which is a source of anxiety for many people. Sticking to a routine can alleviate some of this uneasiness.
It may take some time to figure out a daily schedule that works for you. Some people like to wake up early each day, take a shower, and get dressed before tackling work projects. Others prefer to make breakfast and spend time watching the news before starting their day. No matter what your personal style is, try to keep up with the same habits until they become second nature.
Implementing a routine is particularly important if you have children at home. Without school or a fixed schedule, kids may find it difficult to adjust to an isolated life. Take measures to minimise the disruption to their daily life as much as you can. This might include enforcing certain study hours or limiting their screen time.
Stay in shape
While creating your routine, be sure to reserve some time each day for exercise. Not only does working out enhance your physical health, but it can also have immense positive impacts on your mental health.
During isolation, you will likely have more free time than you had previously. Take advantage of this time by starting up or maintaining a fitness regime. Don’t forget to chat with your doctor before beginning a new workout plan or diet.
The Australian Department of Health recommends that adults get at least 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate physical activity or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous physical exercise each week. You can achieve these goals by going on walks or runs around your suburb (while making sure to adhere to government regulations). You can also look up online workout videos to stay fit while remaining indoors.
Now is also a great time to establish other healthy habits, like learning how to cook nutritious foods or dabbling in cuisines from other countries. Get started by looking up wholesome recipes online and stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables when you head to the supermarket.
Stay in contact with friends and family
Although you may be isolated at home, there are still plenty of ways to stay in touch with loved ones around the world. Fortunately, these days, you can use the internet to remain connected with friends and family – even if they reside in other states or countries.
Schedule regular catch-up appointments with your close contacts, whether through telephone calls or video chats. If possible, use apps like FaceTime or Zoom so that you can see the faces of your friends and family members while you are confined to your house. This may help you combat some of the loneliness that comes with staying at home.
Depending on how much spare time you have, you can even take an old-school approach and start writing letters to send to your loved ones. In general, people receive much less physical mail than they used to, so getting an unexpected letter in the mail is always a pleasant surprise.
Explore new hobbies or revisit activities you love
Modern life can be quite hectic at times, so it’s easy to forget to make time for yourself or lose track of hobbies that you once loved. If you’re in isolation, now is the ideal time to take up new activities or rekindle a former hobby that you used to love.
There are many hobbies that you can do from the comfort of your home. Activities like sewing, baking, crafting, or journaling are all productive ways to take your mind off of the unsettling events occurring around the world. Volunteering is another fantastic use of time that will make you feel that you are contributing some good to the world around you.
If you need some inspiration, check out sites like Pinterest or other blogs around the internet. You could even find a new passion that you will take with you long after isolation is over.
