Mental Health During COVID-19: 8 Tips for Dealing with Self-Isolation

            I spent a lot of time today thinking about areas in our lives that may be falling short because of self-isolation. I know how important it is to remain at a physical distance these days—the pressure on our healthcare system, especially the people working in the industry, needs to be minimized—but I am also aware that this responsibility comes with a high price in many cases. Mental health has always been an important thing in my life but now more than ever, I need to check-in with myself and others. I’m not a health professional but I do care about how the mind works and keeping ourselves stable.

Personally, I have felt the absence of family and friends in my life. Being able to sit at a table to drink coffee together and embrace the people who add so much to my life is something I miss deeply. Moreover, some of the coping mechanisms that I had in place prior to self-isolation are no longer viable options! I think it is pretty safe to say that there are many other people experiencing these same things, so I’ve listed some adjustments we can make to adapt to the new situation:

1.     Have patience with yourself. You are navigating a new lifestyle, a new experience. Not accomplishing career goals at your regular pace (or at all)? Patience! Struggling to get out of bed to face another day of staying at home? Patience! Overeating? Patience! Give yourself space to experience all aspects of this time, including the things you perceive as not being positive or productive. Reflect and adjust.

2.     Have patience with others. The people that you are isolating with or work with are all navigating this time too. They may be experiencing the same difficulties you are or even other challenges that you haven’t considered. Whether it be in your professional or personal life, allow some space for others (and yourself) to make mistakes, express their frustration, or unload. Sometimes a listening ear or a non-reactive response is all people need on frustrating days.

3.     Give up judgment. … of yourself and others! Even if you know yourself really well, there may be some things that haven’t surfaced yet! Feelings or past traumatic experiences may be triggered and come up for you in new and unknown ways. The same can happen for other people in your life. So, consider that people are always doing the best that they can and what you deem as irresponsible or inappropriate may simply be your own blind spot and lack of awareness of their specific situation. Don’t judge others for doing their best and consider the same for yourself.

4.     Reflect. One positive activity to do during this time (and always) is reflect, either on paper or just by sitting with yourself. Some things to think about: what worked well for me today? what would be even better if I made this shift, that is within my control? How was my mood today? what do I want to accomplish in the next six months? If the virus wasn’t keeping me at home, what would I be doing instead? And how can I adapt what I would be doing to fit current events?

5.     Check-in. Notice how you feel throughout the day and evaluate whether your response to those feelings are working for you and others around you. If it’s not working, adjust.

6.     Exercise and eat well. I admit, this one is hard for me. It’s so easy to let time slip by and to let go of a structured day but it’s really important to stay active and aware of your physical health. Do what you can…an online workout or a walk, exchanging chips for a healthy crunchy snack, etc.  

7.     Take up a new (or old) hobby. Make time for things that your love to do or have always wanted to do. If you have the means, order tools and materials online and create something. If you’re like me, you’re really putting a good dent into your To Be Read list! Maybe learn a new skill or develop an old one using information online. The world is really coming together and there are a lot of free or deeply discounted resources out there.

8.     Maintain a schedule. This one is tough for me too but it’s important to maintain some sort of organization to your day! This will help support you eating well, exercising, doing the things you enjoy, getting work done, and intentionally spending some time in self-care. This also gives you things to look forward to during the day, especially when you are bored, restless, or frustrated with being at home.

Stay safe out there my friends!

Be kind. Dream big. Empower yourself.