Covid-19 isolation and quarantine are fast becoming our new normal.

Of course some of you may be relishing the prospect of being at home, at least for the short term. For others however, the experience of being confined with family members 24 / 7 presents an onerous task. Or, if you live by yourself, long term isolation can trigger past experiences of being alone. Either way it is important to prioritise your mental well-being. 

“Psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to a situation with awareness, openness, and focus.” ~ Russ Harris

How You Can Manage Covid-19 Isolation

Some simple but effective tips to keep you sane and maybe even flourish:

♦   Avoid the “what ifs”, and the “whys”

The what ifs…(your fears) and the whys…(whats not fair about it) can subtly draw you into a repetitive story, which like a bad movie you can’t switch off. It generates negative feelings and behaviours, and undermines your physical well-being – sleep issues, tummy troubles, headaches and other physical symptoms are common.  

Yes, this is a time of uncertainty and being upset can feel justifiable, but its not useful. It leaves you feeling powerless, irritable and vulnerable. 

Instead, notice the thought, notice the emotion and let it go before it causes you and your loved ones harm. 90 seconds is all the time you need. Any longer and you are at risk of getting caught up in the story. For more help with managing difficult thoughts and feelings Click here. 

♦   Be present

Simplify your expectations of what you ‘should’ accomplish or what you need to do outside of the home to feel happy. This is an opportunity to slow down and notice the small things that bring you joy, satisfaction and a sense of meaning. 

Learn more about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy works.

♦  Control the Controllables

Limit your intake of coronavirus news. Yes, you need to keep informed. But if you are watching the news more than once per day and getting caught up with online media stories too, then you might like to review how much information you really need. Give your brain a rest and take some time to reflect on what matters to you. 

 “Take control of that which you can control” – Steven Covey

♦   Get creative

What do you normally not have time for or just don’t do because there are more exciting activities grabbing your attention? Consider this as a special opportunity. Do you have a project you want to start or have never finished? Is it gardening, sewing, art, mechanics, building or re-purposing? Or learning something new, a language, instrument, yoga or meditation, a new qualification.

The list of activities is endless – reading, building a jigsaw puzzle, mastering a board game, playing sudoku, practicing yoga, working out, meditating…

♦   Connect online

It may seem easier to withdraw from people if you are in covid-19 isolation. 

But we were not designed to do life alone. We all need to feel connected in some way, and be part of something more than ourselves. 

Online connection is easily available for most, whether you are already tech savvy or new to the online world. Of course this includes friends and family. But don’t forget about all the new online communities springing up in response to the pandemic. An opportunity to make new friends. 

Remember too, this is an opportunity to do simple acts of kindness. Even a quick message or a chat on the phone will remind someone else that they matter. And you will feel pretty good too, because altruistic acts release happy hormones. For inspiring stories Check out The Kindness Pandemic

 “We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” ~ S. Kelley Harrell

Take a moment to consider how you are doing in each of these areas. 

Choose just one to take action on today?