Social distancing is really important to managing the spread of coronavirus. But
who would have imagined just how hard it is, especially as days of being cooped up
at home turn into weeks and months, and coronavirus cabin fever begins to set in!
Yet while social distancing and self isolation are challenging, they don't
have to be miserable. And knowing what they may entail is a great first step to
looking after yourself, and even thriving, as you navigate them. This is what
prompted our colleague Michael Bernstein to develop a simple personal guide to
self-care and social distancing in "novel corona" times.
Michael divided his guide up into activities and behaviors to aid with
difficult emotions strategies for stress management, and tips for staying
physically apart but socially connected. He also has tips for working from home
that you can find the links in the blurb below. Let's start though with how social
distancing can make you feel, and how to go about handling this. When your
movements are restricted your routines are disrupted, and you find yourself
separated from friends and loved ones, you can find yourself struggling with
boredom, loneliness, anxiety, or worries about how uncertain things are. This is
where it's important to ensure that you have the essentials you need to not just
survive, but to thrive. These may include everything from
medications, toiletries, and provisions, to sources of entertainment like games,
books, and movies. And don't forget about your pets and plants and their needs.
But also remember not to be selfish and hoard, because we're all in this
together. You should also become familiar with
trusted news sources, where you can keep up to date with what's happening.
Information that's well presented and trustworthy can help reduce anxiety. But
take care that you don't overdo it. At the same time, reaching out to people you
care about and who care about you can also help tackle boredom, loneliness, and
feelings of anxiety. And when you do reach out, don't be afraid to talk about
how you're feeling. But make sure you also take the time to simply enjoy the
company of others and the memories that you're making together. In the same way,
make an effort to do things you enjoy each day, especially after demanding
tasks. Think about keeping a journal. Write about things you're grateful for.
And remember to regularly take deep breaths, stretch, exercise, and really
importantly, get up from sitting down too long. Moving on, this is also a great time
to try out new strategies for managing stress. For instance, take a look at what
activities make you feel good, and which ones don't. Experiment with creating new
routines and habits. And try adjusting what you do and when during the day to
reduce stress. Be mindful of just how obsessed you're becoming with everything
coronavirus. And remember that, even though you should make sure you stay
informed, too much news can really mess with your head. Rather, think about
checking in on what's happening at certain times of the day. And remember
that not everyone you talk to will want to hear the latest coronavirus update. At
the same time, don't forget to reach out to friends, including those that live far
away as well as those who are just around the corner. See how they're doing,
share coping strategies, and talk about what brings you joy -- or even what makes
you laugh. And of course, don't forget to take care of your mind and body while
practicing social distancing. Manage your expectations for what you can achieve
while at home. Eat healthily. Take time to rest unwind and enjoy life. And stay
vigilant for early warning signs that you're not coping so well. And as you do
all of this, remember to stay socially connected with others. Have virtual
coffee with friends. Share meals over video links. Explore creative ways of distance
socializing, whether exercising together, gaming, forming virtual bands, or even
hosting online story slams! Chat with friends and colleagues through the day.
Check in on loved ones, and let them know it's okay for them to check in on you.
And strange as this may sound, learn to appreciate the space that comes with
social distancing. Treat it as a chance to slow down, start new projects, practice
hobbies, and learn new things. Most importantly of all though, take care of
yourself, as coronavirus forces as all to learn how to be socially close while
being physically distant. And stay safe.