7 Things To Watch Out For In Isolation In Pandemic?

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The outburst of Corona has made it compulsory for all of us to lockdown in our country, state, and area.  If we notice the spread of the virus is through personal contact, it is the best way to control the spread of the coronavirus.  So despite feeling helpless, we should appreciate the self-isolation.  No doubt, the situation is very unfamiliar and hence creating a lot of anxiety and fear worldwide.  So how to cope with isolation in Pandemic 2020?  If we keep a positive approach, the situation will be under control in a few days.

cope with self isolation

Physical isolation with our loved ones for an extended period is something we never experienced before, so if you are feeling uncomfortable and anxious, it is ok to feel that way.  As no one has experienced such conditions, especially social distancing from loved ones, and the majority of people locked in their homes, everyone is going through anxiety to some of the other extents.

In different countries, different precautions and limitations have imposed, and since we are not familiar with this situation ever before, it gives rise to uncertainty.  In many states, there is a  total lockdown, and everyone is hoping to get rid of the case.  But till then, it is crucial to make changes to your daily schedule to fit this self-isolation.

How to Keep Engage & Take Care Of Your Mental & Physical Health

Loneliness can be devastating if not taken care of appropriately.  Stats show that even in pandemic free-world, chronic loneliness increases the risk of early death by 26%.

But just being with other people is not a cure for loneliness. Like hunger or thirst, if loneliness is left unresolved, it can have serious consequences—and the fix is far from straightforward. Just being with other people, will not necessarily make you feel less alone. “If you put lonely people together, they’re going to hate each other after a few minutes,” said Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

  1. Validate the Emotions

It is essential to acknowledge the sentiments and emotions you are going through right now.  It is ok to feel, “I feel scared and alone right now.” At present, everyone is going through the same phase, so validating your emotions will lighten their weight.

A positive mindset is crucial; instead of thinking social distancing as a cut off from others, think of it as a necessary step to keep your loved one safe.  By following protocols, you’re doing your part to help slow the spread of the disease in your community.

2. Move Your Body

You may feel restricted in this time of social distancing and can limit your physical activities. Instead of feeling helpless, get going, and do more physical activity that will at the same time relax you like Yoga, Pranayama, Reiki spring clean your apartment, and so on.
It is also essential to create your routine in this lockdown period. Even though you are in your home, create a schedule that will help you to remain active. Now, most of the people work from home and maybe not be used to this type of workspace.

3. Do Something Creative

coping with self isolation WHO

Use this time to do something creative or follow your hobbies like reading, music, playing guitar, yoga, or anything that keeps you engage.  This is a great time to learn new things which you always wanted to learn.  You can watch Youtube and learn many things or watch Netflix movies with your loved ones if you can’t meet personally.

Gardening can be a great way to relieve stress, as well.

Japanese researchers discovered that spending 30 minutes in the woods could not only lower cortisol levels, but could also improve heart rates and blood pressure.

4. Schedule Regular Phone or Video Check-ins

In this vulnerable time, when everyone is facing isolation, it is crucial to keep in touch with video calling or by just audio.  It reassures the other person as well.

In this whole corona scenario, the senior citizens are most affected, because of their age limitations, they may need your help.  So call them often and see if they need any help.

Aim for at least one of these interactions per day; maybe it is with your pal, friend, co-worker, or your family member. These interactions will benefit you as much as they’ll help the people you’re catching up with.

5. Eat Nourishing Foods

Eating junk food to curb anxiety during this self-isolation way is not at all healthy; it will do more harm to your mental health.

Instead, eat healthy food.  WHO has to give guidelines on what to eat in this self-quarantine period. According to  WHO guidelines, it is essential to restrict the intake of sugar, salt, and fat intake.  Instead, fiber intake is right for your health.

Recommended Read:  Food and nutrition tips during self-quarantine by WHO

6. Limit the News & Social Media

Yes, it is essential to keep informed, but watching the news channel 24×7 will disturb you more and make you more anxious. It’s better to watch the news only twice a day to know the latest updates.

Social media is also spreading unwanted news and spreading phobia among people.  It is difficult to say what is a fact and what’s a rumor in this crucial time.  Instead, keep busy yourself by watching some useful videos on meditation or yoga or any other hobby.

7. Watch for behaviour Changes In Children

COPING WITH SELF ISOLATION- WHO

As a parent, it is essential to keep a watch on the behavioral changes in our children in this crucial time.  As adults suffer from anxiety, children may take on this from their parents.  So as a parent, it is essential to deal with this situation calmly and confidently.

It will reassure our children, but not all children respond to stress in the same way.  some of the symptoms you should pay attention to:

  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
  • Returning to behaviors, they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
  • Excessive worry or sadness
  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens

Take time to talk with your children, answer their questions on COVID-2019 and assure them they are safe.  If they are feeling anxious, let them know it is ok to feel that way and discuss with them how you are handling the situation.  This will make the theme comfortable.

Recommended Read: Stress and Coping

Conclusion:

Self-isolation or social distancing is not as secure as the world has never faced the situation before.  The worst thing is you need to lock down in your home for an unlimited time frame.  People are feeling hopeless and finding it difficult to cope with anxiety.

At this testing time, it is essential to keep positive and engage yourself in different activities.  Most important is the mental health of the people as it is more deteriorating.  But it is important to keep in mind, by self- isolating; we are helping our loved ones to be safe.

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