Mental Wellbeing Isolation Tips
Trying to stay sane during insane times.
We all know about social distancing and self isolation now; hearing about it is essentially unavoidable.
A lot of people are now working from home and choosing to be at home whenever possible; whilst for some governments have forced this.
Whether it’s increased anxiety, isolation, fatigue or depression; people’s mental health could suffer during this time.
I saw a meme the other day that made me laugh but also feel sad because it essentially describes my life.
“When you find out your normal daily lifestyle is called quarantine”
Self-isolating is something I have done for many years now because of my mental health. Okay, usually I’d open the door to the postman rather than ask them to leave it at the gate but apart from small areas such as that self-isolation is nothing new to me.
There have been many times I haven’t left the house in weeks because I’ve been quarantined by depression.
Therefore I feel I have prior experience to this new novelty for others and have collected a few tips on how to look after your wellbeing during these uncertain times when isolation is necessary.
Fresh air
If you can have access to fresh air then use that to your advantage. If you can’t leave your house, flat or room for whatever reason if possible try to open a window to let a draft in. Our environment can have a big impact on our mood. Being cooped up inside can increase anxiety, depression and fatigue.
“Nature is fuel for the soul”
Richard Ryan (lead author and a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester)
“According to a survey from Natural England we spend time in natural environments for health and exercise (50 per cent), to walk the dog (38 per cent) and to relax and unwind (34 per cent). The findings also show that 88 per cent of people agree that spending time in nature makes them feel calm and relaxed and 86 per cent say they feel refreshed and revitalised.” (National Trust)
You can find out more about walking and wellbeing here.
I always feel a bit better after taking our dogs for a walk, even when it feels like a huge challenge because of depression. Even sitting in the garden for a few minutes and recognising sounds can be therapeutic.
If you’re able to then get outside and breathe in some fresher air.
The Basics
The staples of living are important and need to be continued even when life is throwing you these curveballs. Eating, sleeping, and drinking are all incredibly important for all your wellbeing needs. It’s very easy to take that call or reply to that email instead of going to get your lunch or a drink when working from home. Staying up until 2 a.m. every night on the games console because you don’t have to commute the next day and therefore feel you need less sleep isn’t going to help you stay as healthy as possible. Taking the time to do the basics will go a long way in helping to maintain good wellbeing physically and mentally.
Set Alarms/Routines
Working from home, self-isolation and quarantine can get boring. The initial buzz from not having to commute or be in a place of work may wear off as time goes on. I found that having time off work and not being hugely social made my depression and anxiety worse. I had nothing to get up for and ended up lounging around my house for days on end doing nothing. Whilst I love lazy days, recurrent and repetitive lazy days aren’t so exciting or inviting. Routine is important. Setting an alarm and making yourself get up even if you don’t have a lot to do that day is important. Sleeping in until midday each day is probably not going to do your mental wellbeing much good.
Get Changed
Most people love a lazy PJ day now and again; I certainly do. This may seem like such a simple and almost trivial suggestion but I honestly believe it can have a big impact on mental wellbeing. Even if you’re not leaving the house and you’ll not be seeing anyone, I really encourage you to change out of your sleepwear daily. Spending days on end in the same clothes without changing at all can feel really rubbish after a while. I’ve had periods when I’ve not changed my clothes in weeks because of depression and I can honestly say it makes you feel utter rubbish. Changing my clothes daily and showering when possible is something that I try to do all the time now after seeing the positive impact it had on my mental health.
Fitness
For a lot of us gyms are out of bounds currently. In all honesty you’d never find me at a gym anyway so for me this isn’t anything new. But for those of you that do go to the gym there are alternatives and they’re mostly free! There’s a wealth of content on YouTube from high energy dance to peaceful yoga for a range of abilities. You‘ll be sure to find something that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Getting outside for a walk or run is also a good way to exercise if possible.
Distraction
Let’s face it, at some points during isolation you’re going to get bored. It’s pretty inevitable whether you’re isolated alone or with someone. It’s time to get creative! There are so many things we could be doing to occupy us for a few hours. Board games, crafts, colouring, reading, photograph, writing, journaling, online games, distance learning or binge watching tv to name a few. Also within this you could spend time focusing on self care and self soothing. When boredom hits; do something!
Be Virtually Social
What a time to be alive (technology-wise). Meeting friends and family virtually has never been easier. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and House Party (to name a few) are all available to us to use to connect to people all around the world. Pub quizzes, church services, choirs and exercise classes are all available to us from the comfort of our homes. Simple phone calls and texts are standard In most people’s lives these days. Of course, not everyone uses communication devices and apps such as these but for those of us who do (and that’s the majority) we can be socially connected from isolation. This doesn’t mean that we won’t still feel isolated from others, that we won’t miss our loved ones but hopefully the amazing technology we have will provide us with some relief from the loneliness of this time.
Boundaries
Like many, I spend a lot of time on my phone. Apple gives me weekly average phone usage screen time updates and let us just say it’s pretty high currently! Whilst technology is great and can be really helpful with feelings of loneliness; it can have negatives too. Boundaries are needed when it comes to what and how much we are consuming through our devices. If the current events feel too much, if you are getting sick of seeing the same posts or upset by them then take a break from your phone. The same applies when working from home, don’t forget that you still need breaks and fuel for your body.
Pressure
I’m seeing a lot going around on social media about using this time at home productively. Whilst it may help you to get organised, get fit, get work done and so on; that’s not the case for everyone. If all you want/feel like doing is chilling and watching copious amounts of TV then do that. Be authentic to you and what you need and want.
Support Small Businesses
High streets may be closing down shops and cafes and you may be confined to your home. Luckily this doesn’t mean you can still support small businesses where possible.
Some ideas of how you can support small businesses through this difficult time are: order online, buy gift cards for when they reopen, promote their pages on social media, give reviews of their products on various social and selling platforms.
Times are different and difficult but there are charities and services available to help us through this tough period. Check in on friends and family if you can too. Remember; mental health does not take a vacation during pandemics. We need to look after and protect our mental wellbeing and mental health conditions as much now as before this happened.
“This too shall pass”
